Question

The function of beta-galactosidase is to__.

A. break down glucose
B. produce glucose
C. break down lactose
or D. produce lactose

Answer 1

Option C.

Step-by-step explanation:

Beta-galactosidase catalyses the hydrolysis of the sugar lactose. Lactose is a polysaccharide found in milk. Polysacharides are long-chain sugars that are made of pentose sugars (five carbon member sugars).

The enzyme is derived commercially from the E.coli bacteria and works at an optimum pH of 7 to 7.5.

A Beta-galactosidase reaction takes place in an aqueous environment (hence hydrolysis) and results in formation of and alcohol.

A typical reaction is as follows:

`\beta -D - Galacoside`
`(beta-galactosidase)/(water)` D-Galactose + Alcohol

Hence option D

Answer 2

The B-Galactosidase or the Beta-Galactosidase is one of the most important enzymes in the human body. What this enzyme does is that it breaks down common sugar, particularly LACTOSE, which becomes Galactose and Glucose so that it will be readily available for use. Therefore, the answer above would be option C.