The Arabidopsis At1g45130 and At3g52840 genes encode β-galactosidases with activity toward cell wall polysaccharides

The enzymatic properties and substrate specificities of the Arabidopsis β-galactosidases encoded by At1g45130 (Gal-5) and At3g52840 (Gal-2) genes were studied. Organ-specific expression of the two genes was also examined by western blot analysis using peptide-specific antibodies. Recombinant Gal-5 and Gal-2 expressed in Pichia pastoris hydrolyzed various synthetic galactosides, galacto-oligosaccharides and cell wall-derived polysaccharides.