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Food Science and Technology QUESTION #5988
Question 1
The concentration of lactose in cow's milk (\(\approx 4.7\%\)) controls milk yield because:
  • Lactose concentration in milk is independent of blood osmolarity
  • Milk yield is primarily determined by lactose synthesis in the mammary gland, because water follows osmotically; cows that synthesize more lactose produce more milk✔️
  • Blood glucose directly determines cheese yield
  • Lactose synthesis is inhibited by mastitis because inflammation increases blood lactose
Correct Answer Explanation
Lactose is synthesized by lactose synthase (\(\beta\)-1,4-galactosyltransferase \(+\) \(\alpha\)-lactalbumin) in the Golgi apparatus. Lactose is the main osmotic driver — water follows osmotically into the alveolar lumen. Mastitis reduces \(\alpha\)-lactalbumin synthesis, impairing lactose synthase activity and reducing milk yield.