Skip to main content
Log in

Lactase activity of microorganisms

  • Published:
Folia Microbiologica Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Sixty-two strains of yeasts, molds and bacteria were screened for lactase (β-D-galactosidase) activity. Strains exhibiting the enzyme activity were evaluated for cell yield as well as enzyme units available per litre of the medium, per g cell dry weight and per mg protein of their cell-free extracts. The molds exhibited lowest enzyme activity but highest cell yields, bacteria produced lowest cell yield and maximum enzyme activity. Cultures exhibiting very high activity among yeasts wereSaccharomyces fragilis (strain 3217) and among bacteriaStreptococcus cremoris (strain H),Lactobacillus bulgaricus (strain RTS and 1373) andLeuconostoc citrovorum (strain 8081).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Anema P. J.: Purification and some properties of β-galactosidase ofBacillus subtilis.Biochim. Biophys. Acta 89, 495 (1964).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Blankenship L. C., Wells P. A.: Microbial beta-galactosidase: A survey for neutral pH optimum enzymes.J. Milk Food Technol. 37, 199 (1974).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cajori F. A.: The lactase activity of the intestinal mucosa of the dog and some characteristics of intestinal lactase.J. Biol. Chem. 109, 159 (1935).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Caputto R., Leloir L. F., Trucco R. E.: Lactase and lactose fermentation inSaccharomyces fragilis.Enzymologia 12, 350 (1948).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Citti J. E., Sandine W. E., Elliker P. R.: β-Galactosidase ofStreptococcus lactis.J. Bacteriol. 89, 937 (1965).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Doell R. G., Kretchmer N.: Studies of small intestine during development I. Distribution and activity of β-galactosidase.Biochim. Biophys. Acta 62, 353 (1962).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hay G. W., Lewis B. A., Smith F.: Thin-film chromatography in the study of carbohydrates.J. Chromat. 11, 479 (1963).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Haynes W. C., Wickerham L. J., Hesseltine C. W.: Maintenance of cultures of industrially important microorganisms.Appl. Microbiol. 3, 361 (1955).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Landman O. E., Bonner D. M.: Neurospora lactase I. Properties of lactase preparations from a lactose--utilizing and a lactose non-utilizing strain.Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 41, 253 (1952).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lowry O. H., Rosebrough N. J., Farr A. L., Randall R. J.: Protein measurement with the Folin phenol reagent.J. Biol. Chem. 193, 265 (1951).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McFeters G. A., Sandine W. E., Elliker P. R.: Purification and some properties ofStreptococcus lactis β-galactosidase.J. Bacteriol. 93, 914 (1967).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pomeranz Y.: Lactase (β-D-galactosidase). I. Occurrence and properties.Food Technol. 18, 682 (1964).

    Google Scholar 

  • Premi L., Sandine W. E., Elliker P. R.: Lactose hydrolysing enzymes ofLactobacillus species.Appl. Microbiol. 24, 51 (1972).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sorrensen S. G., Crisan E. V.: Thermostable lactase from thermophilic fungi.J. Food Sci. 39, 1184 (1974).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Dam B.,Revallier-Warffemius J. C., Van Dam-Schrmerhorn L. C.: Preparation of lactase fromSaccharomyces fragilis.Neth. Milk Dairy J. 4, 96 (1950).

    Google Scholar 

  • Wallenfels K., Malhotra O. P.: Galactosidases; inM. L. Wolfrom (Ed.):Advances in Carbohydrate Chemistry, Vol. 16, p. 239. Academic Press, New York 1961.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wendorff W. L., Amundson C. H., Olson N. F.: Nutrient requirements and growth conditions for production of lactase enzyme bySaccharomyces fragilis.J. Milk Food Technol. 33, 451 (1970).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wierzbicki L. E., Kosikowski F. V.: Lactase potential of various microorganisms grown in whey.J. Dairy Sci. 58, 26 (1973).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Ramana Rao, M.V., Dutta, S.M. Lactase activity of microorganisms. Folia Microbiol 23, 210–215 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02876581

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02876581

Keywords

Navigation