Monday, November 13, 2006
92-6

Characterization of Glycosyl Hydrolases Using Multiple Organic Carbon Sources.

Priscilla Mfombep1, Zachary Senwo1, Omon Isikhuemhen2, and Robert Taylor1. (1) Alabama A&M University, 4900 Meridian St, Normal, AL 35762, (2) North Carolina A&T University, 1601 East Market St, Greensboro, NC 27411

Glycosidases, hydrolyze the glycosidic bonds between two or more carbohydrates or between a carbohydrate and a non carbohydrate moiety. Hydrolyzed products may include glucose that provides the much-needed energy for the complex soil microbiota, cellulodextrins, higher molecular weight oligosaccharides and some non carbohydrate moieties. In vitro studies were carried out to evaluate and quantify their activities using various organic carbon sources. The enzymes included cellulase, α -and β- glucosidase, and α - and β- galactosidase from Trichoderma sppAspergillus spp,  Bacillus sp, and green bean coffee. Substrates used were carboxymethyl cellulose methyl cellulose, p- nitrophenyl α-D-glucopyranoside, p- nitrophenyl β-D-glucopyranoside, p- nitrophenyl α-D-galactopyranoside, p- nitrophenyl β -D-galactopyranoside. The assay involves determining the amount of reducing sugar from hydrolyzed substrates. Established parameters included pH, temperature, incubation durations, and substrate concentrations. Kinetic parameters calculated included Km, Vmax, Kcat, Ea, Q10. The study estimated enzyme affinities for the substrates and the optimum conditions for their activities, including the effect of trace metal on the glucosidases and galactosidases. These results are to help us understand C dynamics in the soil environment.