lactin

2 definitions found

lactin - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Lactin \Lac"tin\, n. [L. lac, lactis, milk: cf. F. lactine. Cf.
     Galactin.] (Physiol. Chem.)
     See Lactose.
     [1913 Webster]

  lactose \lac"tose`\ (l[a^]k"t[=o]s`), n.
     1. (Physiol. Chem.) The main sugar present in milk, called
        also sugar of milk or milk sugar. When isolated pure
        it is obtained crystalline; it is separable from the whey
        by evaporation and crystallization. It is a disaccharide
        with the formula C12H22O11, being chemically
        4-([beta]-D-galactosido)-D-glucose. It has a slightly
        sweet taste, is dextrorotary, and is much less soluble in
        water than either cane sugar or glucose. Formerly called
        lactin. When hydrolyzed it yields glucose and galactose.
        In cells it may be hydrolyzed by the enzyme
        [beta]-galactosidase.
        [1913 Webster +PJC]
  
     2. (Chem.) See Galactose.
        [1913 Webster]