Purification and Partial Characterization of an Endo-(1→3, 1→4)-β-glucanase from Rice, Oryza sativa L.

Abstract

(1→3, 1→4)-β-Glucanase (EC 3.2.1.73), with a molecular weight of 34, 000 and an isoelectric point of 4.9, was purified to homogeneity from extracts of fresh rice bran. The enzyme specifically hydrolyzed (1→3, 1→4)-β-glucans such as barley β-glucan and lichenans, but laminarins and CM-cellulose were not substrates. Endproduct analysis using barley β-glucan as the substrate suggested that the enzyme is an endo-type (1→3, 1→4)-β-glucanase.