title: The possible function of the glucan sheath of Botrytis cinerea: effects on the distribution of enzyme activities.
abstract: The effect of a beta-1,3-glucanase (Glucanex) on cultures of Botrytis cinerea was examined. The enzyme released reducing sugars from the mycelium and from the glucan secreted into the culture medium. The morphology of the mycelium was changed in the presence of Glucanex. The measured activity of guaiacol peroxidase, laccase, and catalase was increased when the mycelium was treated with Glucanex. Culture of the mycelium in the presence of Glucanex resulted in an increase in catalase activity. We suggest that the glucan plays a role in protecting the fungus from host response and may assist in the initial stages of host infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram Campus, 91904, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors.forename: N L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Gil-ad
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bar-Nun
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Mayer
mesh_terms: D020171:Botrytis / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity; D003470:Culture Media; D007887:Fabaceae / Q000382:microbiology; D043326:Glucan 1,3-beta-Glucosidase; D005936:Glucans / Q000378:metabolism*; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D010935:Plant Diseases / Q000382:microbiology; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D001617:beta-Glucosidase / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media; D005936:Glucans; D001617:beta-Glucosidase; D043326:Glucan 1,3-beta-Glucosidase; D005947:Glucose