Aminopeptidase Activity from Germinated Jojoba Cotyledons

Gluconeogenesis from storage wax in the cotyledons of jojoba seedlings.

The cotyledons of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) seeds contained 50 to 60% of their weight as intracellular wax esters. During germination there was a gradual decrease in the wax content with a concomitant rise in soluble carbohydrates, suggesting that the wax played the role of a food reserve. Thin layer chromatography revealed that both the fatty alcohol and fatty acid were metabolized. The di...

Development and properties of a wax ester hydrolase in the cotyledons of jojoba seedlings.

The activity of a wax ester hydrolase in the cotyledons of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) seedlings increased drastically during germination, parallel to the development of the gluconeogenic process. The enzyme at its peak of development was obtained in association with the wax body membrane, and its properties were studied. It had an optimal activity at alkaline pH (8.5-9). The apparent K(m) va...

Isolation of a toxic factor from jojoba meal.

Aminopeptidase activity in arginine-utilizing Mycoplasma spp.

In an examination of arginine-utilizing Mycoplasma species, simple fluorogenic and chromogenic tests were used to demonstrate high levels of arginine aminopeptidase activity in unwashed, unconcentrated broth and agar cultures in all strains of 5 species and low levels of activity in all strains of 14 species. Four species contained strains which exhibited either high or low levels of activity.

In vitro propagation of jojoba.

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schn.) is a nontraditional crop in arid and semi-arid areas. Vegetative propagation can be achieved by layering, grafting, or rooting semi-hardwood cuttings, but the highest number of possible propagules is limited by the size of the plants and time of the year. Micropropagation is highly recommended strategy for obtaining jojoba elite clones. For culture ini...