The Formation of β, 1 → 4 Glucan from UDP-α-d-Glucose Catalyzed by a Phaseolus aureus Enzyme

Abstract

Particulate enzyme preparations from Phaseolus aureus hypocotyls catalyze the formation of an alkali insoluble β, 1 → 4 linked [¹⁴C]-glucan using UDP-α-d [¹⁴C]-glucose as substrate. Particulate enzymes prepared from root tissue also catalyzed the production of β, 1 → 4 glucan. UDP-β-d-[¹⁴C]-glucose would not serve as a substrate for these enzymes. The presence or absence of β, 1 → 4 glucan synthetase activity was independent of tissue source, substrate concentration, or homogenization method.