Studies on pectase

Abstract

Most of the pectase of tobacco leaves is associated with the fiber. Extraction is influenced by salt conc. and pH. Enzyme in extract was conc. by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation from buffer at pH 7, but not by ethanol. Specific activity was increased by removal of protein precipitated at pH 4.6 in presence of salt. Pectase was adsorbed on celite and elution with Na2HPO4 was more effective than with NaCl. The opt. conditions for activity was at pH 8 and 55[degree]. Acidification to pH 3 and heating to 80[degree] destroys the enzyme. Pectase content was greatly increased when plants were grown with adequate N and P fertilization.