| Abstract: | ![]()
The biological effects of pectic polysaccharidases of Pseudomonas solanacearum were tested on the tissues of certain food plants. It was found that both the endo-polygalacturonase (PG) EC.3.2.1.15 and endo-pectate lyase (PL) EC.4.2.2.2 caused loss of cohesion of the cells, and leakage of K+ ions. In addition the enzymes were highly toxic to the cells. Endo-PL in particular caused ca 82.5% death of potato protoplasts within 1 h of incubation. Data on enzyme absorption showed that tomato tissues (a host plant) absorbed the enzymes whereas there was less absorption of the enzymes by tissues obtained from non-hosts. These results suggest that the enzymes which are synthesised by the bacterium during its parasitic association with certain food plants affect vital physiological processes of the cells. |
