Occurrence of a [formula omitted]-glucosyltransferase in germinating pea seeds and isolation of an endogenous acceptor

Abstract

A D = -glucosyltransferase has been found in soluble extracts of germinating pea seeds. The enzyme transfers D = -glucose from uridine diphosphate D = -glucose to a substance which also occurs in the seed extracts. The substance was the only active acceptor of D = -glucose found for this enzymatic reaction. The enzyme has been separated from the acceptor by several purification steps. The acceptor has been purified to near homogeneity. It appears to be a complex glycoside which contains L = -rhamnose, D = -galactose, and D = -glucuronic acid. The aglycone portion of the acceptor has not been characterized, but preliminary findings suggest that it is phenolic in nature.