beta (beta)-d-galactosidase

be·ta (β)-d-ga·lac·to·sid·ase

(bā'tă gă-lak-tō'si-dās) A sugar-splitting enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of lactose into d-glucose and d-galactose, and that of other β-d-galactosides; it also catalyzes galactotransferase reactions; a deficiency of β-d-galactosidase leads to problems in the intestinal digestion of lactose; used in the production of milk products for adults who do not have the intestinal enzyme; a defect of one isozyme of β-d-galactosidase is associated with Morquio syndrome type B.
Synonym(s): lactase.