a-D-Galactosidase in germinating coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)

Liza L. Ilag

Date

3-1986

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Biology

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Evelyn Mae Tecson-Mendoza

Abstract

ABSTRACT ILAG, LIZA LUNA, University of the Philippines at Los Banos. March 24, 1986. a-D-galactosidase in Germinating Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.).

Major Professor: Dr. Evelyn Mae Tecson-Mendoza

The activity of a-D-galactosidase was investigated in the endosperm and haustorium of germinating coconuts to determine its possible role in coconut's galactomannan metabolism. The study was undertaken as part of a broader project which hopes to elucidate the accumulation of galactomannans in mutant coconut (makapuno) in relation to its aberrant cellular behavior and its failure to germinate under normal conditions. a-D-galactosidase activity was found to increase three-fold in the endosperm from the second month to the sixth month of germination (0.391-0.917 u unit/mg), while its activity in the haustorium was rather constant with a range of 0.249-0.450 u unit/ mg. a-D-galactosidase activity was two- to three-fold lower in the haustorium compared to that in the endosperm. Chemical analyses showed that hydrolyzable polysaccharides (mostly galacto-mannans) decreased with increasing germination stage. The continued activity of a-D-galactosidase in germinating coconut suggests its involvement in the degradation of stored food duting germination. As an enzyme involved in the degradation of galactomannan, a major reserve polysaccharide in coconut, the product of its action could supply energy and metabolites to the developing seedling. The possible contribution of a-D-galactosidase in galactomannan breakdown was also discussed in relation to findings on the activities of the other enzymes involved in galactomannan breakdoen (B-mannanase and B-mannosidase).

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

Thesis

Document Type

Thesis

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