Purification and some properties of two amylases from phoracantha semipunctata larvae

Abstract 1. 1. Two amylases were purified from Phoracantha semipunctata larvae (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) in one step by affinity chromatography on cross-linked starch. 2. 2. Both enzymes are activated by chloride ions. They differ in their optimum pH, pI and action pattern. 3. 3. Amylase I can be classified as an exoamylase which splits amylose in maltotetraose units from the end of the polysaccharide chain. Amylase II behaves as a typical endoamylase (α-amylase).