Lens Hexosaminîdases: Purification and Properties

Abstract

Lens hexosaminidase(s), N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase and N-acetyl-β-D-galactosaminidase, were purified from rabbit lens capsule-epithelium by centrifugation, dialysis and column chromatography on DEAE-cellulose ans Sephadex G-200. pH distribution curves and kinetic constants (K_m and V_max) were determined in the fractions purified approximately 700-fold. Lens glucosaminidase and galactosaminidase could not be separated from each other, thus indicating that one enzyme was present but unable to distinguish the C₄ position of aminosugars.