Description

• General description: β-Galactosidase is present in bacteria, fungi, yeast and animal organs. It is also found in fruits, such as apples, almonds and apricots.[1] β-Galactosidase is a tetramer and is made up of four polypeptide chains consisting of amino acids that assemble to form five structural domains. The domains are jelly roll barrel, a central domain that serves as an active site and the remaining domains are composed of β-sandwich and fibronectin.[2]
• Application: β(1→4)-Galactosidase, positionally specific from Streptococcus pneumonia has been used:as a position-specific enzyme to study its effects in the terminal galactosylation with protective efficacy of glycosphingolipid (GSPL) in mice.[3]for the digestion of radioactive oligosaccharides.[4]as a position-specific enzymeto study its effects on the virulence profile of avirulent Leishmania donovani clone (A-LD).[5]
• Biochem/physiol Actions: β-Galactosidase plays a role in hydrolyzing the D-galactosyl moieties in oligosaccharides, polymers and secondary metabolites. It is widely applicable in the dairy industry to remove lactose from milk and dairy products for the benefit of lactose-intolerant individuals. β-Galactosidase is also applicable in the food industry to improve the sweetness, flavor and solubility.[1]
• Unit Definition: One unit will hydrolyze 1 μmole of p-nitrophenyl β-D-galactopyranoside per min at pH 5.0 at 37 °C.
• Physical form: Solution in 20 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, 25 mM NaCl