Occurrence of α-Amylase in the Axis of Germinating Peas

Abstract

.alpha.-Amylase was found in the axis portion of ungerminated pea seeds (Pisum sativum var. Alaska). The occurrence of this enzyme was demonstrated with crude homogenates (also containing .beta.-amylase) using 3 different methods: the hydrolysis of .beta.-limit dextrin, the change in absorption spectra for the iodine-starch complex and the increase in reducing materials relative to the decrease in starch. The 1st method was used to quantitate the changes in .alpha.-amylase activity during germination. The increase in total amylase activity (primarily .beta.-amylase) paralleled germination; the accumulation of .alpha.-amylase activity was not initiated for an additional day. the increase .alpha.-amylase activity was related to epicotyl growth. Approximately half of this activity was found in the etiolated stem, the distribution being higher in growing than in nongrowing portions.