Part:BBa_K4224000

Description

Enzyme beta-galactosidase &#40lactase&#41 (E.C. 3.2.1.23) catalyzes the hydrolysis of &beta&#401–3&#41 and &beta&#401–4&#41 galactosyl bonds in oligo- and disaccharides but it also catalyzes the reverse reaction of the hydrolysis, often called transglycosylation. This enzyme is mostly known for its ability to hydrolyze milk sugar lactose [1,2]. Lactose is a disaccharide and consists of one galactose and one glucose linked together with a &beta(1–4) bond. Due to this, a common example of the industrial utilization of &beta-galactosidase is the manufacture low lactose or lactose-free dairy products. In fact, these products are important to people who suffer from lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is caused by a lactase insufficiency or non-existence in the colon. This results in lactose malabsorption which leads up to several symptoms, such abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea. For humans, lactose intolerance is a world-wide problem. It is estimated that 70% of the world’s adult population suffers from different degrees of lactose intolerance [3].