Separation of beta-galactosidases and beta-glucosidases from human liver

Various fractions obtained from normal human liver homogenates by gel chromatography and selective adsorption and elution from insolubilized concanavalin A were compared as to their beta-galactosidase and beta-glucosidase activities. The high-molecular-weight acidic beta-galactosidase form was converted into the smaller major form by sodium dodecyl sulfate treatment. Electrophoresis and electrofocusing on acrylamide slabs revealed, in addition to the two major isoenzyme forms (acid and neutral), another five minor bands with enzymatic activity.