Beta-galactoside

A β-galactoside is a type of galactoside in which the glycosidic bond lies above the plane of the galactose residue. The most commonly recognized and used β-galactoside in biochemistry is Lactose. However, other chemicals, such as ONPG, are known, but these are typically synthesized for biochemical assays. An enzyme that breaks the β-galactoside bond is called a β-galactosidase.