Description
Key facts
Detection method:Fluorescent,
Sample types:Suspension cells, Adherent cells,
Assay type:Cell-based (quantitative),
Sensitivity:>= 0.3 mU/well,
Assay time:30m,
Assay Platform:Microplate reader, Fluorescence microscope
Product details:
Beta Galactosidase Assay Kit (LacZ, Green) (ab176721) uses the fluorogenic fluorescein digalactoside (FDG) galactosidase substrate that can sensitively distinguish LacZ+ from LacZ- cells. The non-fluorescent substate generates the fluorescent fluorescein upon reaction with galactosidase.
The FDG used in the kit is not fluorescent. The galactosidase induced cleavage of FDG releases fluorescein with Ex/Em 490/515 nm, which can be detected with most fluorescence instruments equipped with a FITC filter set.
Other Beta Galactosidase Assay Kits and Staining Kits
To measure beta galactosidase activity as part of a senescence assay:
- use Beta Galactosidase Staining Kit (Senescence)
ab65351
to stain senescent cells blue and visualize by light microscopy
- use Beta Galactosidase Assay Kit (Senescence)
ab228562
to detect beta galactosidase activity in senescent cells by flow cytometry.
To measure beta galactosidase activity as part of a LacZ assay with cell cultures:
- use Beta Galactosidase Assay Kit (LacZ, Blue)
ab189815
with readout on fluorometric plate reader or flow cytometer
- use Beta Galactosidase Staining Kit (LacZ)
ab102534
to stain LacZ cells blue and visualize by light microscopy
Beta Galactosidase Assay Kit (Green)
ab287846
is used to measure Beta Galactosidase in homogenized cell or tissue samples with readout on fluorometric plate reader.
This product was previously called Beta Galactosidase Detection Kit (Fluorometric).
Properties and Storage Information:
Shipped at conditions-Blue Ice, Appropriate short-term storage conditions--20°C, Appropriate long-term storage conditions--20°C, Storage information--20°C
Supplementary Information:
This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.
Beta-galactosidase also known as beta-gal or b-gal is an enzyme with a molecular weight of approximately 116 kDa. It catalyzes the hydrolysis of beta-galactosides into monosaccharides. Beta-galactosidase functions mainly in the lysosomes but also localizes to the cytosol and plasma membranes in some cell types. Notably in prokaryotic systems like E. coli beta-galactosidase's expression is highly regulated often serving as a model for gene regulation studies.
Biological function summary
The enzyme plays a significant role in carbohydrate metabolism by breaking down lactose into glucose and galactose which cells use for energy. It is part of a larger enzyme complex known as the lac operon in bacteria which involves other proteins such as lacZ. This operon functions to regulate the metabolic conversion of lactose when glucose is scarce allowing for tight control and efficient resource utilization.
Pathways
Beta-galactosidase is integral to the lactose degradation pathway. This pathway supplies glucose to the glycolytic cascade facilitating energy production in cells. In eukaryotes the enzyme's metabolic role connects with galactose metabolism intersecting pathways where enzymes like galactokinase and aldolase play important roles. These interrelations ensure precise metabolic balancing and adaptation to nutrient availability.
Deficiencies in beta-galactosidase are linked to metabolic diseases such as galactosialidosis and GM1 gangliosidosis. Galactosialidosis involves a malfunction in a complex with protective protein/cathepsin A while GM1 gangliosidosis results from ineffective ganglioside metabolism affecting nervous system function. These conditions highlight the importance of beta-galactosidase in normal metabolic processes and neurological health.
