Β-Galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) is a glycoside hydrolase that hydrolyzes the β-glycosidic bonds formed between galactose and its organic moieties. In E. coli, the lacZ gene is the structural gene of β-galactosidase, which can be used as part of the induction system lac operon. This enzyme can hydrolyze lactose to form glucose and galactose, which then enter glycolysis, or catalyze the transgalactosylation of lactose into allolactose, which can then be cracked into monosaccharides.
- Hydrolyzes β-glycosidic bonds
- Catalyzes transgalactosylation of lactose
- Effective pH range 3.0-8.0
- Optimum pH range 3.5-5.0
- Effective temperature range 55°C-65°C
- Optimum temperature range 55°C-60°C
- White to light yellow solid appearance