This work aimed to quantify the protein content and the α-galactosidase activity in the embryonic axis and in the cotyledons of Dalbergia nigra seeds during the imbibition period. The seeds were submitted to water imbibition during seven days. Biochemical and kinetic characterization of the enzyme were done from samples taken during the imbibition period. The activity of the α-galactosidase increased in the two compartments with the soaking of the seeds, although, the enzyme activity was not detected in the embryonic axis of dry seeds. The difference in the activity of the enzyme between cotyledons and embryonic axis was significant. The pH of maximum activity was 5.5 for the enzyme of both compartments. In the cotyledons the higher activity of the enzyme was obtained at 50 ºC. In the embryonic axis the activity was higher at temperatures ranging from 50 to 60 ºC. The activity of the α-galactosidase was inhibited by β-mercaptoethanol and CuSO4 in both compartments, while lactose and sodium chloride stimulated the activity in the cotyledons and in the embryonic axis. The values of K M for the enzymes of the embryonic axis and cotyledons were respectively 0.239 and 0.228 mM.
α-galactosidase; seeds; Dalbergia nigra
