Beta-Galactosidase

Beta-Galactosidase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of beta-galactosides into monosaccharides. It is a crucial component in the lactose metabolism process in many organisms, including humans.

Structure

Beta-Galactosidase is a large protein, with a molecular weight of about 540,000 Da. It is a tetramer, composed of four identical subunits. Each subunit contains five domains, with a deep cleft between domains 1 and 2, which forms the active site of the enzyme.

Function

The primary function of Beta-Galactosidase is to break down lactose, a disaccharide found in milk, into its component monosaccharides, glucose and galactose. This process is essential for the digestion of lactose in the human body.

Clinical Significance

Deficiency of Beta-Galactosidase can lead to a rare genetic disorder known as galactosialidosis, which is characterized by a wide range of symptoms including developmental delay, liver disease, and neurological abnormalities.

Research Applications

Beta-Galactosidase is widely used in molecular biology research, particularly in the field of genetics. It is often used as a reporter gene to monitor gene expression.

See Also

• Lactose intolerance
• Galactosemia
• Lac operon