Purification, characterization and structural analysis of an abundant beta-1,3-glucanase from banana fruit

An abundant, catalytically active beta-1,3-endoglucanase (EC 3.2.1.39) has been isolated from the pulp of ripe bananas. Biochemical analysis of the pu rified protein, molecular modelling, and molecular cloning of the correspon ding gene indicate that this banana enzyme closely resembles previously cha racterized plant beta-glucanases with respect to its amino-acid sequence, s tructure and biological activity. The results described in this paper demon strate both the occurrence of an abundant active beta-1,3-endoglucanases in fruits and also readdress the question of the possible involvement of thes e enzymes in the ripening and/or softening process.