Cassava latex as a source of linamarase for determination of linamarin

A major constraint in the enzymatic assays for determination of linamarin i n cassava is the preparation of purified linamarase. Cassava latex, which e xhibits high linamarase activity, was tried as an alternate source of the e nzyme. Enzyme yield from latex was compared with that from rind and leaf. P reparations from latex had significantly higher linamarase activity (simila r to 300-fold) compared to leaf and rind. The purification of the enzyme wa s easier since homogenization of large quantities of tissues could be avoid ed. A 1 g amount of latex could yield enough enzyme for >3000 assays.