Induction, purification and characterization of β-1,3-glucanase from Brassica juncea L infected with Albugo Candida

Infection of Brassica juncea plants with Albugo Candida caused the induction of β-1,3-glucanase in the leaf tissues following inoculation; the induction being more pronounced in the resistant cultivars. The enzyme purified from infected leaves of resistant cultivar RC-781 had a molecular mass of 35.4 kD. The enzyme exhibited its optimum activity at 50°C and at pH 5.5 with K_m value of 0.55 mg laminarin ml⁻¹. The enzyme activity was slightly stimulated by Cl⁻¹ and Mg⁺⁺, while inhibited by Hg⁺⁺ and Mn⁺⁺ at higher concentrations only