Acta Biológica Colombiana (Jul 2006)
Polygalacturonase Activity in Yellow Pitaya Peel (Acanthocereus pitajaya)
Abstract
Polygalacturonase activity was determinated in yellow pitaya fruit (Acanthocereus pitajaya). Protein concentrations and activities of the enzyme in the extracts weredetermined. Buffer sodium phosphate 20 mM pH 7,0 with NaCl 0,5 M was the most effective extraction system. The enzyme exhibited optimum activity at pH 5,0 in buffer citrate at 40 °C. The KM of the enzyme was 2.9 mg/mL for polygalacturonic acid and VMÁX of 0.076 nmol of reducing groups/s. Results show that polygalacturonase is related with softening on yellow pitaya fruit.