β-galactosidase (β-GAL, EC 3.2.1.23) is an enzyme found broadly in animals, plants, microorganisms and
cultured cells, which can catalyze the hydrolysis of β-galactosyl bonds and also has the function of
transglycosylation. β-GAL can release stored energy for the rapid growth of plants, also catalyzes the
degradation of polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and galactose terminal galactose residues in normal
polysaccharide metabolism, cell wall component metabolism and during aging cell wall to release free
galactose.
β-GAL can catalyze the p-nitrophenyl-β-pyran galactoside to p-nitrophenol. The product has characteristic
of absorption at 400 nm. In this kit, the β-GAL 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.
