Final answer:
Lactose intolerance is a condition where lactose cannot be digested well in the small intestine due to a lack of the enzyme lactase. A non-lactose intolerant person dying of thirst would still be able to digest lactose, but consuming milk directly may not be the most effective way to quench thirst. Lactose intolerance does not directly affect the ability to carry out other chemical reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the lactose in milk cannot be digested well in the small intestine. This occurs when the absorptive cells of the small intestine do not produce enough lactase, the enzyme that digests lactose. In individuals who are not lactose intolerant, lactase breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream.
So, in the case of a non-lactose intolerant person dying of thirst, their ability to digest lactose remains unaffected since lactase is still present and functioning in their small intestine. However, it is important to note that consuming milk directly when dehydrated may not be the most effective way to quench thirst as it may take time for the lactose to be digested and for water to be absorbed.
The implications for this person to carry out other chemical reactions are not directly related to lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance primarily affects the digestion of lactose and does not have a direct impact on the ability to carry out other chemical reactions in the body.