Endo-β-mannanase, the leguminous aleurone layer and the storage galactomannan in germinating seeds ofTrigonella foenum-graecum L.

The activity ofendo-β-mannanase in the endosperm of fenugreek seeds at different stages of germination varies pari passu with storage galactomannan breakdown.Endo-β-mannanase is similarly associated with the galactomannan breakdown which occurs when isolated fenugreek half-endosperms are incubated under "germination" conditions. Metabolic inhibitors,acting on the aleurone layer reduceendo-β-mannanase production in the half-endosperms in proportion to their inhibition of galactomannan breakdown.It is concluded (a) thatendo-β-mannanase activity, like galactomannan breakdown, is regulated by the fenugreek aleurone layer and (b) that theendo-β-mannanase is almost certainly instrumental in bringing about galactomannanan hydrolysis in vivo.