When does alphaamylase activity becomes strongest during the

When does alpha-amylase activity becomes strongest during the course of germination? Do your results support the hypothesis of de novo synthesis? What factors may inhibit or accelerate this process in nature?

Solution

ANSWER :

* Amylase is an enzyme that converts starch into sugars especially maltose.

* Both alpha-amylase and Beta- amylase are present in seeds , but beta - amylase is present in inactive form prior to the germination ,while Alpha- amylase appear along with proteases once the germination has begun.

*seed germination starts with inhibition process,where a growth hormone Gibberelic acid is released , which stimulates the synthesis of alpha-amylase enzyme along with several hydrolytic enzymes.

* Gibberelic acid is produced in embryo , then migrated to the aleurone layer where synthesis of alpha amylase is take place.

* These enzymes now catalyse the food reserves in endosperm for growth.

* The concentration of amylase enzyme depends on germination period i.e, the longer the seed in germination, the higher the concentration of Alpha amylase .