What Is the Physiological Mechanism of Lactose Intolerance?  Why Is the Ability

question 7

Essay

What is the physiological mechanism of lactose intolerance?  Why is the ability to digest milk sugars an example of biocultural evolution?

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Definitions:

Sodium-Potassium Pump

A cell membrane protein that uses ATP to transport sodium ions out of and potassium ions into a cell, maintaining the cell's electrochemical gradient.

Resting Potential

Membrane potential of an inactive neuron.

Action Potential

A rapid rise and subsequent fall in voltage or electric potential across a cellular membrane, primarily found in neurons, that allows for the conduction of neural impulses.

Acetylcholinesterase

An enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, terminating the action of this neurotransmitter on muscles and nerve cells.