Lipolytic enzymes during infection

Change in the Levels of Lipolytic Enzymes during Infection... 

Unfortunately, no histochemical or cytochemical studies of the involvement of lipolytic enzymes during the infection of potato leaves by P. infestans have yet been reported. Histochemical and biochemical observations of potato tubers infected by P. Infestans revealed elevated levels of esterase (measured with Q-naphthol acetate) in unidentified host organelles during infection (1 1). Cytochemical techniques were used to identify lipolytic activity in fungal and host cell walls during the infection of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cotyledons by Bremia lactucae (12). 

During the infection of potato leaves there was a large (>l4-fold) increase in total phospholipase activity. Since potato leaves also contain very high levels of phospholipase and galactolipase activities, experiments were conducted to elucidate the possible involvement of the lipolytic enzymes of the pathogen and the host during infection and resistance. 

Although these preliminary studies indicate that lipolytic enzymes are produced by the fungus during infection, much more work is required to determine their actual role in infection and pathogenesis. Because the symptomology and biochemistry of infection are very similar to those events that occur during normal leaf... 

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