Saturday DNA! Passaic - Got Lactase?

Over 60% of humans worldwide are lactose intolerant. In humans, lactose intolerance is considered an ancestral trait because mammals usually stop producing the digestive enzyme after weaning off their mothers’ milk. Does this happen in humans too? Why, then, are some humans able to continue drinking milk after infancy? Join us to better understand the very interesting story of how a combination of genetics and culture has affected our evolution.

Participants will:

• Discuss the details of lactose intolerance, and how it affects different populations;

• Use enzymes to digest lactose; and

• Investigate the lactose levels of different dairy products.

Ages 10-13, one adult chaperone required. Chaperones must purchase a ticket and fully participate in all program activities.

Host or Publisher Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center