EXTRACTION OF ESTERASES FROM GERMINATING PEA AND BEAN SEEDS

A procedure for the extraction of esterases of three varieties of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and one variety of pea (Pisum sativum L.) is outlined. The rates of enzymic hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl propionate and p-nitrophenyl butyrate were determined. The esterases were markedly inhibited by malathion. methyl parathion, carbaryl, metepa, cobalt ion, manganese ion, and fluoride ion. Magnesium ion increased the activity of the esterases; sodium and calcium ions did not affect the enzyme activity. The extracted esterases were detected also on starch gels with the substrates α-naphthyl and 5-bromoindoxyl acetates and were inhibited by Guthion oxygen analogue. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.