Existence of chitinase activity in mature corn kernels (Zea mays L.)
1991
Neucere, J.N. | Cleveland, T.E. | Dischinger, C.
Reducing infection by Aspergillus flavus group species that produce aflatoxins in corn is an area of intense interest. One speculation is that chitinase could be a resistance factor involved in inhibiting or reducing fungal growth. Mature kernels of yellow corn (A. flavus resistant) and white corn (A. flavus susceptible) were assayed for chitinase activity. Results showed higher activity in germ tissue than in the endosperm with disparity between the two varieties. The highest activity per quantity of protein was observed in the germ of white corn and in salt fractions from whole kernel corn precipitated with 20% ammonium sulfate. From gel permeation chromatography, major chitinase activity occurred in the fractions with molecular size ranging from 14 to 25 kDa. Isoelectric focusing on acrylamide gels showed major chitinase activity in protein zones at pH 3-4. These data provide evidence that the catalytic components exist in several isozyme forms that are acidic and highly associated in the native state.
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