Description
Background/Introduction: beta-Glucosidase is a glucosidase enzyme which acts upon beta1->4 bonds linking two glucose or glucose-substituted molecules. beta-Glucosidases are required by organisms (some fungi, bacteria, termites) for consumption of cellulose. Lysozyme is also a beta-glucosidase and is present in tears to prevent bacterial infection of the eye. In humans, lower activity of a beta-glucosidase isoform (lysosomal gluco-cerebrosidase) has been related to Gaucher's disease and Parkinson's disease. The assay is initiated with the enzymatic hydrolysis of the glucoside by beta-Glucosidase. The enzyme catalysed reaction products p-nitrophenol, can be measured at a colorimetric readout at 400 nm