Changes in Activities of Three Enzymes Degrading Galactomannan During and Following Rice Seed Germination

To investigate the relationships among β-mannanase, β-mannosidase and α-galactosidase required for degrading galactomannan in cell wall during and following rice seed germination, the activities of the three enzymes and the effects of ABA and GA₃ on them were surveyed. The activities of β-mannosidase and α-galactosidase presented in dry and pre-germinated rice seeds, and increased slowly during and following germination. However, the activity of β-mannanase was detected only after germination. GA₃ could promote the activities of β-mannanase and α-galactosidase. ABA had little effect on the activities of β-mannosidase and α-galactosidase, but it could seriously inhibit the activity of β-mannanase.