INDUCTION AND SECRETION OF ALPHA-AMYLASE, (1-]3),(1-]4)-BETA-GLUCANASE, AND (1-]3)-BETA-GLUCANASE ACTIVITIES IN GIBBERELLIC-ACID AND CACL2-TREATED HALF SEEDS AND ALEURONES OF WHEAT

Three germination-specific enzymes, alpha-amylase, (1 --> 3),(1 --> 4)-beta-glucanase, and (1 --> 3)-beta-glucanase, were examined in whole germinating wheat (Triticum aestivum) as well as in distal half seeds and isolated aleurones. In the latter, modified seed systems, production, and secretion were examined for response to induction by CaCl2, gibberellic acid (GA3), and GA3 plus CaCl2 and compared with the normal whole seed production. GA3 stimulated production of alpha-amylase and (1 --> 3),(1 --> 4)-beta-glucanase activities differentially, and CaCl2 modified this effect. (1 --> 3)-beta-Glucanase activity was induced in distal half seeds by imbibition alone, ard the various treatments had only a minor effect on accumulated activity. Treatment with GA3 or CaCl2, however, did promote the secretion of this activity. Furthermore, separating aleurone tissue from the endosperm significantly increased the amount of (1 --> 3)-beta-glucanase activity in aleurone tissues.