Galactosidases
Encyclopedia
Galactosidases are enzymes (glycoside hydrolases) which catalyzes the hydrolysis
of galactosides into monosaccharide
s
If the galactoside is an alpha-galactoside, the enzyme is called alpha-galactosidase
, and if it is a beta-galactoside, it is called beta-galactosidase
.
Both varieties are categorized under the EC number
3.2.1.
Hydrolysis
Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction during which molecules of water are split into hydrogen cations and hydroxide anions in the process of a chemical mechanism. It is the type of reaction that is used to break down certain polymers, especially those made by condensation polymerization...
of galactosides into monosaccharide
Monosaccharide
Monosaccharides are the most basic units of biologically important carbohydrates. They are the simplest form of sugar and are usually colorless, water-soluble, crystalline solids. Some monosaccharides have a sweet taste. Examples of monosaccharides include glucose , fructose , galactose, xylose...
s
If the galactoside is an alpha-galactoside, the enzyme is called alpha-galactosidase
Alpha-galactosidase
Alpha-galactosidase is a glycoside hydrolase enzyme that hydrolyses the terminal alpha-galactosyl moieties from glycolipids and glycoproteins. It is encoded by the gene.- Function :...
, and if it is a beta-galactoside, it is called beta-galactosidase
Beta-galactosidase
β-galactosidase, also called beta-gal or β-gal, is a hydrolase enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of β-galactosides into monosaccharides. Substrates of different β-galactosidases include ganglioside GM1, lactosylceramides, lactose, and various glycoproteins...
.
Both varieties are categorized under the EC number
EC number
The Enzyme Commission number is a numerical classification scheme for enzymes, based on the chemical reactions they catalyze....
3.2.1.