Aminopeptidases isolated from plants of great economic value – role and characteristics
Joanna KANIA*, Danuta GILLNER – Faculty of Chemistry, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
Please cite as: CHEMIK 2015, 69, 8, 463–468
Aminopeptidases (EC 3.4.11.XX) belong to the group of proteases, important enzymes which play key roles in many life processes. They catalyze the hydrolysis of amino acids located at the N-terminus of peptide and are involved in proteins degradation to free amino acids. Leucine aminopeptidase (LAP, EC 3.4.11.1) typically belong to the M1 or M17 family and preferably hydrolyse leucine (Leu) from N-terminus of proteins. Several types of aminopeptidases are usually identified in one plant. They are responsible for different activities. Some studies focused on the role of aminopeptidases in the life processes, revealed that leucine aminopeptidases are involved in the process of plant aging (wilting), germination, protective processes, transport of auxins or meiosis.
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