Enables beta-galactosidase activity. Predicted to be involved in galactose catabolic process. Predicted to act upstream of or within carbohydrate metabolic process. Predicted to be located in lysosome. Predicted to be active in vacuole. Is expressed in brain. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in GM1 gangliosidosis (multiple) and mucopolysaccharidosis IV (multiple). Orthologous to human GLB1 (galactosidase beta 1).