Occurrence of α-Amylases in Tobacco Callus: Some Properties and Relationships with Callus Induction and Shoot Primordium Formation

Abstract

The presence of α-amylases in tobacco callus was confirmed. Properties of the tobacco enzyme were compared with those from other plant systems. Some similarities and differences were observed. Increased activity was found in callus compared to the pith-phloem tissue from which it was derived. There was no effect of medium gibberellic-acid on α-amylase activity. The increased α-amylase activity found in shoot-forming tissue compared to non-shoot forming tissue resulted from an enhancement in both isozymes.