The Development of Enzymes During Germination and Seedling Growth in Nigerian Sorghum

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Abstract
The levels of enzymes responsible for the enzymic modification of sorghum endosperm have been followed during germination and seedling growth. Sorghum β‐glucanase was shown to be inactive towards barley β‐glucan. Gibberellic acid does not appear to control the levels of α‐amylase. In contrast to barley, the synthesis of this enzyme occurs in the embryo but it subsequently acts on the starch granules in the endosperm. Limit dextrinase, on the other hand appears to be present in the endosperm as a zymogen. Proteases were also examined during germination and seedling growth. Amino acid‐releasing enzymes develop in the embryo and are absent from the endosperm, whereas endoproteases can be detected in the embryo and to a greater extent in the endosperm. Amylolytic attack on endosperm starch in sorghum is very extensive during the early stages of grain growth. The significance of these results to the malting properties of sorghum is discussed.