The activity of alpha-galactosidase from green coffee beans was assayed using Gal alpha(1-->3)[Fuc-alpha(1ar2)]Gal by detection of Gal and Fuc alpha(1-->3)Gal. The linkage specificities of beta-galactosidases from Streptococcus pneumoniae and bovine testis were assessed using Gal beta(1-->3 or 4)GlcNAc beta(1-->3)beta(1-->4)Glc as substrates.