β-Amylolysis: union of enzyme and substrate

Abstract

On mixing beta-amylase with a solution of starch, amylose or an achroic dextrin, an initial increase in optical rotation takes place. During the beta-amylolysis reaction, the optical rotation of the mixture remains above that calculated from the values of the enzyme, substrate and fission products. The rise in optical rotation is ascribed to formation of an enzyme-substrate compound. A similar rise in optical rotation has been reported when alpha-malt amylase is mixed with Lintner soluble starch.