Alkaline phytase activity in nonionic detergent extracts of legume seeds

Alkaline phytase activity, with a pH optimum of 8, was recovered from detergent extracts of dormant seeds of nine varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris L., Pisum sativum L. var. Early Alaska, and Medicago sativa L. This alkaline phytase of legume seeds was activated by calcium and differed from most seed phytases in its relative insensitivity to inhibition by fluoride.