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Subcellular distribution of polysaccharide depolymerase and glycoside hydrolase enzymes in rumen ciliate protozoa

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Abstract

The distribution of polysaccharide depolymerase and glycoside (acid) hydrolase activity in nine genera of rumen entodiniomorphid and holotrich ciliate protozoa was examined by differential centrifugation. Sedimentable activity was detected in all of the protozoa examined and occurred principally in fractions that were prepared by centrifugation at 1000g for 10 min, 10,000g for 10 min, and 20,000g for 20 min (fractions F1, F2, and F3). Acid phosphatase was present in these subcellular fractions which contained membrane-bound vesicles 0.1–0.8 μm in size. The enzyme location profile of the subcellular fractions differed within the genera examined. The distribution of the enzyme activity in the subcellular fractions indicated the presence of distinct populations of hydrolase-containing organelles and other functional vesicles in the rumen ciliates.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, Hannah Research Institute, Ayr KA6 5HL, Ayr, UK

    Alan G. Williams

  2. Department of Microbiology, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Bearsden, Glasgow, UK

    Alec B. Ellis

  3. Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Animal Physiology, Babraham, Cambridge, UK

    Geoffrey S. Coleman

Authors
  1. Alan G. Williams
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  2. Alec B. Ellis
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  3. Geoffrey S. Coleman
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Williams, A.G., Ellis, A.B. & Coleman, G.S. Subcellular distribution of polysaccharide depolymerase and glycoside hydrolase enzymes in rumen ciliate protozoa. Current Microbiology 13, 139–147 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01568509

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