Lectin status, protein contents and ammonium assimilating enzymatic activity of two indigenous cultivars of mulberry species, Morus alba and Morus nigra

Abstract

The studies were carried out with plantlets of two indigenous cultivars of mulberry species Morus alba and Morus nigra grown in soil less cultures, where extracts from roots, shoots, leaves, and reproductive organs were determined for protein content, agglutination of human erythrocytes and the
activity of the ammonium assimilatory enzyme glutamine synthetase. M. nigra and M. alba extracts contained potent phytoagglutinins in various tissues with highest contents in M. nigra. The leaves and roots of both species of mulberry were used to determine the glutamine synthetase activity and high level of activity was found in both tissues. The glutamine synthetase enzymatic activity was higher in roots (1.37 ìmol.gfw-1.min-1). The extract from all tissues of both species were used to determine the total protein contents and proteins found higher in the leaves (2.129 ìg/gfw in M. nigra and 0.973 ìg/gfw in M. alba).