α-Amylase isoenzymes and BASI-like proteins in seeds of different grass species

Abstract

AbstractSeeds from an assortment of 28 grass species (including two cereals), chiefly representing different tribes of the sub-family Pooideae were tested for the presence of BASI-like proteins using Western blotting techniques and antisera raised against the barley amylase/subtilisin inhibitor. A single protein species of the same molecular weight as the BASI protein was detected in each member of the tribes Triticeae and Bromeae tested. Members of the Triticeae and Bromeae were the only species to produce high pi α-amylase isoenzymes following germination of the grain in addition to low pl forms which were present in all species tested. Anti-BASI antibody binding patterns for the other grasses examined were variable with the strongest staining being observed for Lolium species. In these species, either a double or single protein band fractionally larger than the BASI protein was recognized. In most other cases antibody binding was barely or not detectable. Inhibitor preparations from Hordeum vulgare and Lolium perenne were effective at inhibiting wheat α-amylase but neither had any effect against enzyme produced by germinating L. perenne.