Beta-D-mannanases in germinating lucerne (alfalfa) seeds.

Extraction and fractionation of the beta-D-mannanases in germinating lucerne produced four fractions if extracts were stored prior to chromatography. However, when extracts were applied rapidly to DEAE-cellulose, one of the fractions of high molecular weight (separated subsequently by gel chromatography) was not detected, indicating that it was formed after maceration. On storage, the amount of the lower-molecular-weight, unbound fraction from chromatography on DEAE-cellulose did not increase relative to that bound. During germination, the bound and unbound fractions both increased initially and then decreased, with only small changes in the ratio of each. The results suggest that three of the beta-D-mannanase fractions are formed in vivo prior to maceration.