The Histochemical Location of Arabinosidase and Xylosidase in Germinating Wheat Grains
M.
M. Grant 1 and D. E. Briggs 2, 3
1Melissa M. Grant, PSRI,
Life & Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham,
B4 7ET, UK
2Dennis E. Briggs, 66 Sandhills Lane, Barnt
Green, nr. Birmingham, B45 8NX, UK
3Corresponding author.
Email: d.e.briggs@bham.ac.uk
J. Inst. Brew. 108(4), 478-480, 2002 | VIEW ARTICLE
ABSTRACT
α-L-Arabinofuranosidase
(EC 3.2.1.55) and β-D-xylanopyranosidase (EC 3.2.1.37) activities
were detected in the endosperms of germinated, dried and sanded wheat
grains using the fluorescence of 4-methylumbelliferone released from
appropriate synthetic substrates. The enzymes were not detected in ungerminated
grains. Activities were first detected adjacent to the scutellum and
advanced into the endosperm with increasing germination time, in some
grains being slightly more advanced next to the aleurone layer. They
were not detected in other tissues by this technique although analysis
of extracts of the other tissues showed that they were present in greater
amounts in the embryo and in the aleurone layer. The problems of interpretation
caused by these findings are discussed.
Key words:
α-L-Arabinofuranosidase, β-D-xylanopyranosidase,
histochemistry, location, wheat.
Publication no. G-2002-1306-001 ©2002 The Institute & Guild of Brewing