A gene encoding a novel β-D-galactosidase from the psychrotolerant Antarctic bacterium Arthrobacter sp. 32cB was isolated, cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The active form of recombinant β-D-galactosidase consists of two subunits with a combined molecular weight of approximately 257 kDa. The enzyme's maximum activity towards o-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside was determined as occurring at 28 °C and pH 8.0. However, it...

INTRODUCTION: β-Galactosidase is an enzyme which catalyzes the hydrolysis of O glycosidic bond in β-galactosides. Another activity of β galactosidase is a transglycosylation activity. The main industrial use of this protein is the hydrolysis of lactose in milk in a cooling conditions. Synthesis of galactooligosaccharides, which are mostly used as a prebiotics added to some foods or available as dietary supplements, is only one...