Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
C
HAPTER
7
A Review of the Fungal
β
-Galactosidase Gene and its
Biotechnological Applications
Anne G. Lydon*
Abstract
β-Galactosidase, also known as lactase (EC 3.2.1.23), is an exo-acting glycosyl hy-
drolase that cleaves single β-linked galactose residues from the non-reducing ends
of carbohydrate polymers or other galactose containing molecules. β-Galactosidase
is one of the most commonly used industrial enzymes due to a variety of suitable
applications in the food and dairy sectors. By obtaining information regarding
regulation of the expression of this gene, expression levels of the native enzyme
may be increased or enhanced. This would be of great benefi t to the enzyme
production industry. This chapter gives an overview of the β-Galactosidase gene
and the transcription factors that regulates its expression.
INTRODUCTION
β-Galactosidase is one of the most commonly used industrial enzymes
due to a variety of suitable applications in the food and dairy sectors
(Shaikh et al. 1999). It is commonly used to cleave lactose into glucose and
galactose, which is of clinical importance in the preparation of lactose free
milk and milk products for lactose intolerant individuals (Shukla 1975).
Furthermore, the enzyme can be utilised in the treatment of whey permeate
which is an abundant effl uent produced in cheese and casein manufacture.
The biotechnological utilization of this economically valuable feedstock
