D-enzyme (EC 2.4.1.25) is believed to be involved in starch metabolism, but the function in vivo is not known. In order to investigate the role of D-enzyme, several approaches have been undertaken. A biochemical analysis of the purified potato D-enzyme suggested that high molecular weight starch (amylose and amylopectin) can serve as donor and acceptor, and very long α-1, 4-glucans or even highly branched glucans can be transferred by the enzyme. Transgenic potato plants with dramatically reduced D-enzyme activity were obtained by introducing sense and antisense D-enzyme cDNA sequences with the appropriate promoter sequence. The tubers from these plants sprouted later and the growth of sprouts was slower than the wild type. However, no significant difference was found in starch produced in tubers, either in its quantity or quality. From these results, the possible role of Denzyme in starch metabolism is discussed.
History
Publication title
Journal of Applied Glycoscience
Volume
45
Issue
2
Pagination
169-175
ISSN
1344-7882
Department/School
Biological Sciences
Publisher
Japanese Society of Applied Glycoscience
Place of publication
Japan
Rights statement
Copyright 1998 The Japanese Society of Applied Glycoscience
Socio-economic Objectives
280102 Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences