title: Evidence for an active dimer of Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase.
abstract: BETA-Galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23), prepared from strains ML 308 and K12 3300 of Escherichia coli, dissociated into an inactive monomer in the presence of Ag+. When such a monomer preparation is treated with excess of thiol an enzymically active dimer is formed in addition to an active tetramer. It is suggested that Ag+ may be of value in studies on other multimeric proteins as a mild dissociating agent.
mesh_terms: D004229:Dithiothreitol; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000201:enzymology*; D005696:Galactosidases / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D011487:Protein Conformation; D012834:Silver
chemical_list: D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D012834:Silver; D005696:Galactosidases; D004229:Dithiothreitol