Cell Bound α-Amylase in Aspergillus oryzae

Abstract

α-Amylase in Aspergillus oryzae is generally known to be present in mycelium as well as in medium, whether it is grown with or without shaking. The interesting fact is reported in this paper, when A. oryzae was grown in a phosphate deficient medium, however, α-amylase accumulation occurred only within the cell. From the results of pH-activity curve, starch gel zone electrophoresis and differential centrifugation, there seemed to be no distinctions between exo- and endocellular α-amylase. The liberation of α-amylase from the cell was observed to be dependent on pH and the concentrations of anions. The significance of the α-amylase accumulation and liberation in this system is discussed.