Beta-galactosidase Protein, E. coli, Recombinant

Description: beta-galactosidase is an exoglycosidase which hydrolyzes the beta-glycosidic bond formed between a galactose and its organic moiety. It may also cleave fucosides and arabinosides but with much lower efficiency. beta-galactosides include carbohydrates containing galactose where the glycosidic bond lies above the galactose molecule. Substrates of different beta-galactosidases include ganglioside GM1, lactosylceramides, lactose, and various glycoproteins. It is an essential enzyme in the human body. Deficiencies in the protein can result in galactosialidosis or Morquio B syndrome. In E. coli, the gene of beta-galactosidase, the lacZ gene, is present as part of the inducible system lac operon which is activated in the presence of lactose when glucose level is low. beta-galactosidase is important for organisms as it is a key provider in the production of energy and a source of carbons through the break down of lactose to galactose and glucose.