Esterases from the Seeds of an Edible Legume, <i> Phaseolus vulgaris</i> L.; Variability and Stability during Germination

Abstract

The total protein and esterase were isolated from the seeds of Red Kidney beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris ). The crude protein content was observed as 15%. The germination of seeds of red kidney bean has been carried out and change in the total protein content and esterase activity was monitored. The protein content was decreased from 15% (24 hours) to 8% (144 hours) during germination. The socked seeds and seedlings of all the days of germination exhibited esterase activity. Maximum ester hydrolyzing activity was observed o n 6th day of germination w hereas as lowest ester hydrolyzing activity was observed 2nd day germination. Native PAGE was carried out and esterase banding pattern for two different artificial substrates was studied. The esterase banding pattern in presence of 1-Napthyl acetate showed the presence of 4 esterolytic bands while 2 esterolytic bands were observed in presence of 2-Napthyl acetate .