Metabolism of Reserve Polysaccharides in Tubers of Orchis morio L

Abstract

Breakdown and metabolism of both glucomannan (Salep-Mannan) and starch were studied in tubers of Orchis morio L. during one vegetation period. Variations in the amount of reducing sugars and sucrose, which resulted from the metabolisation process, were analysed during the same period.
Enzymes responsible for mobilisation of the reserve polysaccharides were shown to be β-mannase, amylase, β-mannosidase, β-glucosidase and α-glucosidase. Variations in the different enzyme activities were measured at the same time intervals.