THE PROPERTIES AND SPECIFICITY OF A -GLUCOSIDASE FROM BLABERUS CRANIIFER

¹ Department of Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas

1. The localization, properties and specificity of a -glucosidase from Blaberus craniifer have been investigated.

2. The enzyme is localized mainly in the cecal complex of the alimentary canal.

3. Evidence is presented which suggests that all the -glucosides hydrolyzed are hydrolyzed by the same enzyme and that the -galactosides are hydrolyzed by another protein or series of active sites.

4. The data also suggest that some specificity of the enzyme is directed toward the aglycone moiety of the -glucoside.

5. Based on inhibition of the enzyme by heavy metals and specific -SH inhibitors and the reversal of -SH inhibition by cysteine, it is suggested the enzyme is an -SH enzme.

6. No effects of toluene were noted and the effects of monovalent cations were less than 10%.

7. The K_m, V_max and K_i values for various glucosides are presented.