Biochemistry Section, Chemistry Department, Shivaji University, Vidya Nagar, Kolhapur, Maharashtra-416004
Three RNases, two DNases and one nuclease were isolated and partially purified from moth bean seedlings. Among them, RNase II, DNase II and nuclease have been further characterized. RNase II has pH optimum of 8.4 and DNase II 8.2. However, nuclease shows pH optima at both acidic and alkaline pH which vary depending upon the substrate used. Nuclease shows a high temperature optimum of 70°C. All the three enzymes respond differently to EDTA and metal ions. Our observations indicate that moth bean seedlings contain a distinct DNase, RNase and nonspecific phosphodiesterase.
