‘Definition
noun, plural: beta-amylases
A form of amylase found in bacteria, molds, yeasts, and the seeds of plants that cuts alpha-bonds of large sugar molecules (e.g. starch, glycogen, and related polysaccharides), removing the successive beta-maltose units from the non-reducing ends of the chains.
Supplement
In plants, the β-amylase breaks starch into sugar, resulting in the sweet flavor of ripe fruit.
“Synonyms:”
- 1,4-α-D-glucan maltohydrolase
- saccharogen amylase
Compare: alpha-amylase