Substrate Specificities of α-Galactosidases from Yeasts

Abstract

Twenty-nine strains of yeasts, which are capable of using galactose, melibiose, or raffinose, were screened for α-galactosidase production. Among the strains, 5 produced intracellular and extracellular α-galactosidases, and 2 produced only intracellular enzyme. Substrate specificities of these enzymes were explored using 6³-α-D-galactosyl-1, 4-β-D-mannotriose and 6³-α-D-galactosyl-1, 4-β-D-mannotetraose. All enzymes liberated the terminal galactose from 6³-α-D-galactosyl-1, 4-β-D-mannotriose, but did not the stub galactose from 6³-α-D-galactosyl-1, 4-β-D-mannotetraose.