Cell Wall-bound Nitrophenylglycosidases of Tomato Fruits1

Abstract

Abstract Fruit extracts of Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Tiny Tim were found to contains α- and β-galactosidase, a- and β-glucosidase, α- and β-mannosidase, and α- and β-xylosidase activities. All of these enzymes either declined or remained constant in concentration during fruit development and ripening. Activities of β-glucosidase and α-galactosidase were found to be associated with isolated cell wall fragments. No evidence was found for an increase in concentration of the enzymes in the cell wall during ripening. The probability that these enzymes are not involved in fruit softening is discussed.