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Amylase action pattern on starch polymers

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Abstract

Several decades ago, the first reports on differences in action pattern between amylases from different sources indicated that the starch polymers are not degraded in a completely random manner. We here give an overview of different action patterns of amylases on amylose and amylopectin, focusing on the so-called multiple attack action of the enzymes. Nowadays, the multiple attack action is generally an accepted concept to explain the differences in amylase action pattern. However, the pancreatic α-amylase remains one of the few enzymes known with a considerable level of multiple attack action. Despite some recent studies, the molecular mechanism of the multiple attack action is still largely unclear. Probably, the degree to which the active site architecture and binding properties allow both the reorganization (sliding) of the substrate in the active site and the stabilisation of the productive enzyme/substrate complex mainly determine the multiple attack action of amylases.

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Abbreviations

BAA:

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens α-amylase

BLA:

Bacillus licheniformis α-amylase

BSuA:

Bacillus subtilis α-amylase

BStA:

Bacillus stearothermophilus maltogenic α-amylase

DMA:

degree of multiple attack

DP:

degree of polymerisation

GH:

glycoside hydrolase

MW:

molecular weight

PPA:

porcine pancreatic α-amylase

RVTS :

total level of reducing sugars

RVPS :

level of reducing polysaccharides

SBD:

starch binding domain

TAKA:

Aspergillus oryzae α-amylase

λ max :

wavelength of maximal extinction

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  1. Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Leuven Food Science and Nutrition Research Centre (LFoRCe), Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, B-3001, Leuven, Belgium

    Annabel Bijttebier, Hans Goesaert & Jan A. Delcour

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  1. Annabel Bijttebier
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  2. Hans Goesaert
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  3. Jan A. Delcour
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Correspondence to Annabel Bijttebier or Hans Goesaert.

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Bijttebier, A., Goesaert, H. & Delcour, J.A. Amylase action pattern on starch polymers. Biologia 63, 989–999 (2008). https://doi.org/10.2478/s11756-008-0169-x

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