BioTechniques (Apr 2021)

Application of a robust microplate assay to determine induced β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase activity in the cotton plant

  • Muhammad Fahad Khan,
  • Ummad-ud-din Umar

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2144/btn-2020-0015
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 70, no. 4
pp. 202 – 208

Abstract

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Resistance is induced in cotton plants as the result of either viral infection or exogenous application of elicitors. Induced resistance can be evaluated by determining the production of β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase in plants as a biochemical parameter. The assays being used for the determination of chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase activity are laborious and not cost-effective, as the reducing sugars produced by the substrates colloidal chitin and laminarin are very expensive. The concentration of both substrates was standardized and reduced to 0.25% from 4% in a modified microplate assay, which appeared to be more effective. The amount of β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase produced was significant and determined by the new modified assay. The sensitivity of the microplate assay was significantly raised approximately one- to twofold.

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