The biology of mycorrhiza in the Ericaceae

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Abstract
SUMMARY: Hymenoscyphus ericae utilizes protein as a sole source of nitrogen through the production of an extracellular proteinase. A sensitive procedure for assay of the enzyme is described and is used to determine the major characteristics of the enzyme. The enzyme has a sharp pH optimum at 2.2 with little activity above pH 5.0. Values for Km and Vmax of the enzyme were determined.Pepstatin, a specific inhibitor of carboxyl (acid) proteinases, almost completely inhibited activity, confirming that the enzyme is of this type.The characteristics of the enzyme are compared with those described for other microbial acid proteinases and the results are discussed in relation to physiological ecology both of the fungus and of its host plant.

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