Synergism of cockroach (<i>Periplaneta americana</i>) &alpha;-amylase and &alpha;-glucosidase hydrolysis of starches

Abstract

Cockroach Periplaneta Americana α-amylase hydrolysed starch to maltose and maltodextrin. However, this enzyme was not active against maltose and maltotriose (2 h of reaction). α-Glucosidase of the same organism exhibited activities toward maltose and maltodextrin to glucose. Synergism was observed especially between both enzymes to produce glucose for cockroach P. Americana nutrition.

Key Words: α-Amylase, α-glucosidase, cockroach, Periplaneta Americana, synergism.

African Journal of Biotechnology Vo l.3(10) 2004: 529-533