Studies on carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes. 12. A survey of the carbohydrases of alfalfa

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Abstract
The carbohydrase activities of extracts of alfalfa leaves, stems, seeds and seedlings were compared. The extracts showed a similar degree and specificity of activity towards various [alpha]- and [beta]-glycosides, [alpha]- and [beta]-glucans and hemicelluloses. The highest activity was shown towards maltose, laminaribiose, sucrose, raffinose, melibiose, lactose, starch, laminarin, and pectin. The effect of pH on the hydrolysis of 20 substrates by the seedling extract was examined. In most instances the pH optimum was about 5. During germination of the seeds there was a marked increase in [alpha]-galactosidase activity.