The enzyme encoded by this intronless gene is a beta-1,3-galactosyltransferase found in the medial Golgi apparatus, where it catalyzes the transfer of galactose from UDP-galactose to substrates containing a terminal beta-linked galactose moiety. The encoded enzyme has a particular affinity for galactose-beta-1,4-xylose found in the linker region of glycosamines. This enzyme is required for glycosaminoglycan synthesis.