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...

Biosecurity and Biocontrol
Biosecurity and Biocontrol

This lesson explores the impact of biosecurity threats, and why they need to be identified and managed. Examples to incl..

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..

Darwin's Finches - Natural Selection
Darwin and Natural Selection

This tutorial investigates the genetic diversity in more detail. It also delineates how certain alleles are favored over..

Cells in different stages of meiosis
Meiosis – The Genetics of Reproduction

Meiosis is a form of cell division that creates gametes. It is comprised of two divisions that in the end, the resulting..

Lentic community
Freshwater Communities & Lentic Waters

Lentic or still water communities can vary greatly in appearance -- from a small temporary puddle to a large lake. The s..

An artist depiction of a Precambrian multicellular life form.
The Evolution of Cell Organelles

The nucleus containing the genetic material, DNA, and the mitochondria, well-identified as the "powerhouse of the cell",..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics