What are the applications of beta-galactosidase?

The enzyme’s main applications are to eliminate lactose from dairy products and the creation of galactosylated products. Another application involves the LacZ gene from E coli, (which contains the instructions for producing beta galactosidase) which is commonly used as a reporter gene and a tracer in cell lineage studies. For example, researchers studying Drosophila frequently use the detection of beta galactosidase to observe how cells and tissues develop within these insects. They achieve this by inserting a modified P-element structure containing the LacZ gene at random locations in the fruit fly’s genome. This allows for researchers to track and study specific processes within Drosophila. Additionally, beta galactosidase can also be used in assays to measure the activity of the enzyme and to determine its presence in a sample.