Abstract
Modification in the sorghum grain endosperm during seedling growth and malting was found to be associated mainly with increased activities of α‐amylase, endo‐β‐glucanase, limit dextrinase and endoprotease. The major starch‐degrading enzyme was α‐amylase. The activities of endo‐β‐glucanase, limit dextrinase and endoprotease were comparatively higher in the endosperm than in the embryo during seedling growth. Endo‐β‐glucanase activity appeared to be relatively low during seedling growth. The low activity of this enzyme might be partially responsible for the limited degradation of the cell walls in the endosperm of the malted grain.