Abstract
Electrophoretic analysis of the germinating linseed proteins shows alterations in a protein with a molecular weight of 42 KDa. This protein accumulates after 36 hours of germination in synchronization with an increase in lipase activity, and a decrease in the quantity of the total lipids. The 42 KDa subunit was found to be a lipid body membrane protein. This protein was isolated and identified by immunoprecipitating technique as a subunit of lipase. The linseed lipase reacted with a wide range of triacylglycerols and had optimal activity at pH 4.7. The activity of the enzyme was slightly affected by high concentration of salts and EDTA, while high concentrations of non-ionic detergents exhibited a pronounced inhibitory effect. These data suggest that the isolated 42 KDa protein is most likely a linseed acid lipase responsible for the breakdown of lipids during germination.