Alpha-amylase synthesis in wheat kernels as influenced by the seed coat

The effect of seed coat removal on the synthesis of alpha-amylase isoenzymes in wheat was investigated. The immature wheat endosperm-aleurone (seed coat and embryo detached) produced considerably less alpha-amylase activity than immature whole or de-embryonated wheat kernels, when incubated under identical conditions of 18.5 C and 99% humidity, in the presence or absence of gibberellic acid (GA(3)). The incubated endosperm-aleurone also exhibited unique alpha-amylase isoenzyme composition when compared to the isoenzyme compositions of incubated whole and de-embryonated immature and mature wheat kernels both in the presence or absence of GA(3). Subsequent studies indicated that the seed coat may contain factor(s) required for normal alpha-amylase isoenzyme synthesis.