Not available outside of the UK & Ireland.

Application

α-Amylase is used to hydrolyze α bonds of α-linked polysaccharides, such as starch and glycogen. α-Amylase, from Sigma, has been used in various plant studies, such as metabolism studies in Arabidopsis .

Biochem/physiol Actions

α-Amylase hydrolyzes the α-(1,4) glucan linkages in polysaccharides of three or more α-(1,4) linked D-glucose units. Natural substrates such as starch and glycogen are broken down into glucose and maltose. α -Amylase, from porcine pancreas, is a glycoprotein that consists of a single polypeptide chain of approximately 475 residues containing 2 SH groups and four disulfide bridges and a tightly bound Ca²⁺ necessary for stability.

General description

We are committed to bringing you Greener Alternative Products, which adhere to one or more of The 12 Principles of Greener Chemistry. This product has been enhanced for energy efficiency and waste prevention when used in starch ethanol research. For more information see the article in biofiles.

Molecular mass: 51-54 kDa.α-Amylase isolated from porcine pancreas is a glycoprotein. It is a single polypeptide chain of ~475 residues containing two SH groups and four disulfide bridges and a tightly bound Ca²⁺ necessary for stability. Chloride ions are necessary for activity and stability. The pH range for activity is 5.5 to 8.0, with the pH optimum at 7.

Other Notes

View more information on enzymes for complex carbohydrate analysis at www.sigma-aldrich.com/enzymeexplorer

Physical form

Suspension in 2.9 M NaCl solution containing 3 mM CaCl_2.

Preparation Note

2× crystallized

Unit Definition

One unit will liberate 1.0 mg of maltose from starch in 3 min at pH 6.9 at 20 °C.