Isolation of β‐galactosidase fractions from Japanese pear: Activity against native cell wall polysaccharides

β‐Galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) was purified from the cell wall of the fruit of Japanese pear (Pyrus serotina Rehder var. culta Rehder cv. Hosui) and characterized. Five peaks of β‐galactosidase activity, designated as Gal I to V, were separated by hydrophobic chromatography on butyl toyopearl and ion exchange chromatography on Mono S. These isolated β‐galactosidases were investigated with regard to their abilities to release monomeric galactose from the fractionated polymers of native cell wall (cyclo‐hexane‐trans‐1,2‐diamine tetraacetic acid‐, Na₂CO₃‐, guanidine thiocyanate‐ and KOH‐soluble fractions) and arabinogalactan (from larch wood). All the β‐galactosidase fractions were active against native cell wall polysaccharides although to varying degrees. Gal I reacted to all fractions of native cell wall polysaccharides although to varying degrees. Gal I reacted to all fractions of native cell wall and arabinogalactan. Gal II released much galactose only from KOH‐soluble polymers and arabinogalactan. Gal III released the most galactose. from cyclohexane‐trans‐1,2‐diamine tetraacetic acid‐, Na₂CO₃‐ and guanidine thiocyanate‐soluble cell wall polymers which probably contained galactosyl side chains of pectic polymers, although it did not react much to arabinogalactan. In addition, the activity of Gal Ill dramatically increased as ripening proceeded. Furthermore, Gal III was purified to homogeneity by gel filtration on TSKgel 3000SW and the size of a polypeptide was 80 kDa on SDS‐PAGE.