Starch Synthesis and Changes in Uridine Diphosphorlase in the Developing Wheat Grain

Abstract

The enzymes UDPG pyrophosphorylase and ADPG pyrophosphorylase were assayed during the growth of wheat grains. Changes in fresh weight, dry weight, water, sucrose, reducing sugars, starch, total nitrogen, protein nitrogen, and soluble nitrogen were followed simultaneously. Throughout development the activity of UDPG pyrophosphorylase per grain was much greater than the activity of ADPG pyrophosphorylase. Both enzymes increased in activity during the phase of starch synthesis and a sharp rise in ADPG pyrophosphorylase was associated with the onset of rapid starch formation. ADPG pyrophosphorylase activity decreased to a very low level when starch formation in the grain ceased. UDPG pyrophosphorylase activity also decreased at this time. Although the participation of UDPG is not excluded, it is suggested that the main substrate for starch synthesis in the wheat grain is ADPG. A mechanism for the synthesis of starch from sucrose is proposed.