Enzyme activity during germination of different cereals: A review

Fabiola Araceli Guzmán-Ortiz, Javier Castro-Rosas, Carlos Alberto Gómez-Aldapa, Rosalva Mora-Escobedo, Adriana Rojas-León, María Luisa Rodríguez-Marín, Reyna Nallely Falfán-Cortés, Alma Delia Román-Gutiérrez

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

The germination process increases enzymatic activity. However, this does not occur in the same way in all cereals. It depends on the type of enzyme, the cereal, and the conditions of germination. During germination, most enzymes are localized in the aleurone layer and the scutellum. Some of them, such as xylanases, proteases, and β-glucanases, are also localized in the endosperm while β-glucanases and lipases have been identified in the embryo. The maximum activity of the enzymes in most cereals start from day 4 of germination. Germination allows the hydrolysis of macromolecules and compounds like β-glucans and phytic acid. In cereals, starch is the component that presents the most morphological changes. Germination mobilizes and increases the activity of some enzymes. Temperature, steeping time, and variety are determining factors in the activation time. At higher temperatures, the enzymatic activation is generally faster; however, there are some exceptions. The use of germination could be a promising resource for modifying grain properties and increase enzymatic activity; also, this process is simple and economical.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)177-200
Number of pages24
JournalFood Reviews International
Volume35
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 3 Apr 2019

Keywords

  • Amylase
  • germination
  • phytase
  • protease
  • xylanase
  • β-glucanase

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