[A stepwise method of evaluating sugar substitutes--a preliminary study using enzymes. 1. Alpha-glucosidase from...

alpha-Glucosidase from yeast was checked for its catalytic potency under a variety of experimental conditions. Michaelis constants and maximal velocities are reported for 7 disaccharides of the glucosyl-fructosyl or glucosyl-glucosyl type, 4 disaccharide alcohols, and 2 mixtures of each 2 disaccharide alcohols. Reduction of a carbonyl group is of less importance for the substrate properties than the type of the glycoside bond; consequences for the suitability of potential sugar substitutes are derived.