A New Enzyme Mixture for the Isolation of Leaf Protoplasts

Abstract

A new enzyme mixture has been formulated by using a cellulytic enzyme (Mayvil cellulase) and pectolytic enzymes (Rhozyme HP 150 and Macerozyme) for the isolation of leaf mesophyll protoplasts. The activity is shown to be comparable to previously described enzyme mixtures regarding yield, viability and plating efficiency of protoplasts. Some evidence is also presented showing that fluctuations in yield and viability of protoplasts, arising through seasonal variations, can be minimised by altering the level of one of the pectolytic enzyme components in the enzyme mixture.