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Host-pathogen interactions. XVII. Hydrolysis of biologically active fungal glucans by enzymes isolated from soybean cells

Journal Article · · Plant Physiol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.68.1.221· OSTI ID:6282068

The ability of ..beta..-glucosylase I, a soybean cell wall ..beta..-glucosyl hydrolase, to degrade elicitors of phytoalexin accumulation was studied. Extensive ..beta..-glucosylase I treatment of the glucan elicitor isolated from the mycelial walls of Phytophthora megasperma var. sojae results in hydrolysis of 77% of the glucosidic bonds of the elicitor and destruction of 94% of its activity. Soybean cell walls contain some additional factor, probably one or more additional enzymes, which can assist ..beta..-glucosylase I in hydrolyzing the glucan elicitor. In a single treatment, the mixture of cell wall enzymes hydrolyzed 91% of the glucosidic bonds and destroyed 85% of the activity of the elicitor. The enzymes from soybean cell walls will also hydrolyze elicitor-active oligoglucosides prepared from the mycelial walls of Phytophthora megasperma var. sojae. The active oligoglucosides are more susceptible than the glucan elicitor to hydrolysis by these enzymes. The mixture of cell wall enzymes or ..beta..-glucosylase I, by itself, hydrolyzes more than 96% of the glucosidic bonds and destroys more than 99% of the activity of the oligoglucoside elicitor. Two possible advantages for the existence of these enzymes in the walls of soybean cells are discussed.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Colorado, Boulder
OSTI ID:
6282068
Journal Information:
Plant Physiol.; (United States), Journal Name: Plant Physiol.; (United States) Vol. 68:1; ISSN PLPHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English