β-glucosidase (β-GC, EC 3.2.1.21) is an enzyme found broadly in animals, plants, microorganisms and
cultured cells, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of base-glycosidic bonds and has many physiological
functions. In cellulose saccharification, β-GC is responsible for further hydrolysis of cellulose
disaccharides and cellulose oligosaccharides to produce glucose. β-GC hydrolyzes the aroma precursors of
terpenes, making the glycoside turns from bond state to free state, thus producing the fragrance. β-GC can
also hydrolyze wild sakuraside in plants and release HCN, thereby preventing insects from eating.
β-GC can catalyze the p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside to p-nitrophenol. The product has characteristic
of absorption at 400 nm. In this kit, the β-GC activity is quantified by measuring the increase in the color
development at 400 nm.
Reagents and Equipment Required but Not Provided.
Centrifuge, water-bath, transferpettor, spectrophotometer, 1 mL glass cuvette, ice, mortar/homogenizer and
distilled water.
