Inhibition of glycosidases by aldonolactones of corresponding configuration. The C-4- and C-6-specificity of beta-glucosidase and beta-galactosidase.

1. In barley, beta-glucosidase and beta-galactosidase are separate enzymes. The former also displays beta-d-fucosidase activity. 2. In the limpet, Patella vulgata, beta-glucosidase activity is associated with the beta-d-fucosidase, previously shown to be a separate entity from the beta-galactosidase also present. 3. Almond emulsin presents all three activities as a single enzyme. Each is equally inhibited by glucono-, galactono- and d-fucono-lactone. 4. In rat epididymis, there is no significant beta-glucosidase activity, nor is there appreciable inhibition of the beta-galactosidase and beta-d-fucosidase activities of the preparation by gluconolactone.