IN-VITRO RECOVERY OF ACC OXIDASE FROM FRU IT OF PEAR FRUIT (PYRUS-COMMUNIS CV BLANQUILLA)

Soluble extracts of mesocarp from pear fruits (Pyrus communis cv. Blan quilla) with authentic ACC oxidase activity were obtained. It was obse rved that enzyme is associated with particulate fraction. The highest recuperation was achieved using 0.8 % Triton X-100 (40 % of in vivo ac tivity). Enzyme activity from pear fruit showed absolute requirement o f Fe2+, ascorbate and HCO3-/CO2. The enzyme preparation was stable in presence of 30 % glycerol at - 20 degrees C for at least 11 days. In v itro ACC oxidase activity was found to be proportional to the amount o f extract added up to 200 mu l. Also the amount of ethylene formed was linear with incubation time up to 1 hour.