ACETYL-NAPHTHYL-ESTERASE ACTIVITY IN HUMUS-ENZYME COMPLEXES OF DIFFERENT MOLECULAR SIZE

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Abstract
Acetyl-naphthyl-esterase activity extracted according to Burns et al. (1972a) from an Alpine podzol is about 36 per cent of the total soil activity. A fractionation of extracted organic matter was carried out by ultrafiltration through Amicon membranes. Three fractions were obtained whose molecular size limits were < 50,000, 50,000–300,000, and > 300,000. The lowest molecular size fraction was devoid of enzyme activity, while the other two fractions contained 28.1 and 71.7 percent of extracted activity, respectively. Unfractionated humus and its fractions were subjected to electrofocusing in polyacrylamide gel and four groups of enzyme activity peaks were distinguishable. Location of enzyme molecules in relation to organic and mineral soil constituents is discussed. Acetyl-naphthyl-esterase activity extracted according to Burns et al. (1972a) from an Alpine podzol is about 36 per cent of the total soil activity. A fractionation of extracted organic matter was carried out by ultrafiltration through Amicon membranes. Three fractions were obtained whose molecular size limits were < 50,000, 50,000–300,000, and > 300,000. The lowest molecular size fraction was devoid of enzyme activity, while the other two fractions contained 28.1 and 71.7 percent of extracted activity, respectively. Unfractionated humus and its fractions were subjected to electrofocusing in polyacrylamide gel and four groups of enzyme activity peaks were distinguishable. Location of enzyme molecules in relation to organic and mineral soil constituents is discussed. © Williams & Wilkins 1977. All Rights Reserved.