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Amylolytic activity in stored potato tubers. 1. Estimation usingp-nitrophenyloligosaccharides

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Summary

Methods for the estimation of amylolytic activity are reviewed. A procedure for the routine extraction of amylolytic activity from freeze-dried powder prepared from potato tubers is described. The extraction medium is buffered at pH 7.0 and contains glycerol, dithiothreitol, calcium chloride and the non-ionic detergent, nonidet P-40. α-Amylase activity and exoamylolytic activity were estimated in crude extracts of potato tubers using the substrates, blockedp-nitrophenyl-maltoheptaoside andp-nitrophenyl-maltopentaoside respectively. These substrates are included in kits supplied by Biocon, (UK) Ltd to measure the α- and ß-amylase activity in cereals. The validity of using these kits for the determination of α- and ß-amylase activity in potato tuber tissue is discussed.

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Author notes

  1. M. Patricia Cochrane

    Present address: Department of Biological Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Ricearton, EH14 4AS, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Edinburgh School of Agriculture, West Mains Road, EH9 3JG, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

    M. Patricia Cochrane & Carol M. Duffus

  2. Scottish Crop Research Institute, Invergowrie, DD2 5DA, Dundee, Scotland UK

    M. J. Allison & G. R. Mackay

Authors
  1. M. Patricia Cochrane
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  2. Carol M. Duffus
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  3. M. J. Allison
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  4. G. R. Mackay
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Cochrane, M.P., Duffus, C.M., Allison, M.J. et al. Amylolytic activity in stored potato tubers. 1. Estimation usingp-nitrophenyloligosaccharides. Potato Res 34, 325–332 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02360506

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