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Endo-β-mannanase, the leguminous aleurone layer and the storage galactomannan in germinating seeds ofTrigonella foenum-graecum L.

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Abstract

The activity ofendo-β-mannanase in the endosperm of fenugreek seeds at different stages of germination varies pari passu with storage galactomannan breakdown.Endo-β-mannanase is similarly associated with the galactomannan breakdown which occurs when isolated fenugreek half-endosperms are incubated under “germination” conditions. Metabolic inhibitors,acting on the aleurone layer reduceendo-β-mannanase production in the half-endosperms in proportion to their inhibition of galactomannan breakdown.

It is concluded (a) thatendo-β-mannanase activity, like galactomannan breakdown, is regulated by the fenugreek aleurone layer and (b) that theendo-β-mannanase is almost certainly instrumental in bringing about galactomannanan hydrolysis in vivo.

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This is part five in a series of papers dealing with galactomannan metabolism. Part four: Planta (Berl.)112, 301–308 (1973)

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Grant Reid, J.S., Davies, C. & Meier, H. Endo-β-mannanase, the leguminous aleurone layer and the storage galactomannan in germinating seeds ofTrigonella foenum-graecum L.. Planta 133, 219–222 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00380680

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00380680

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