Dictionary > Beta-amylase

Beta-amylase

‘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


You will also like...

Bryophytes
Bryophytes

Bryophytes (nonvascular plants) are a plant group characterized by lacking vascular tissues. They include the mosses, th..

Origins of Life on Earth
Origins of Life on Earth

Earth was created around 4.5 billion years ago and life began not long after. Primitive life likely possessed the elemen..

Homeostatic Mechanisms and Cellular Communication
Homeostatic Mechanisms and Cellular Communication

Homeostasis is the relatively stable conditions of the internal environment that result from compensatory regulatory res..

Freshwater lake ecosystem
Freshwater Producers and Consumers

Freshwater ecosystem is comprised of four major constituents, namely elements and compounds, plants, consumers, and deco..

Lights' Effect on Growth
Lights’ Effect on Growth

This tutorial elaborates on the effect of light on plant growth. It describes how different plants require different amo..

A chart depicting Mendel's Law of Dominance
Mendel’s Law & Mendelian Genetics

One of Mendel’s law of inheritance is the “law of dominance”. Read this tutorial to know more about this form of i..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics