Biochemical Characterization of Pectin Methylesterase from Musa acuminata Referring to Delayed Ripening

Several cell-wall degrading enzymes have been studied and their action involved in the softening concomitant with ripening of various fruits.However, studies pertaining to pectin methylesterase (PME) that catalyzes the demethylesterification of cell wall polygalacturonans have been very limited especially in fruit tissue.The present study covers the biochemical characterization of pectin methylesterase from Musa acuminata in context to delayed ripening phenomenon, principally dealing withidentification of a PME gene, namely, PME 1 from Grand Naineveriety of banana.The expression of this gene was well correlated with the ripening.After Ethylene treatment the expression of PME1 gene was peaked on day 3 while in control fruit, the progression of ripening was rather slow.The GA content was observed to augment significantly during the course of ripening of banana fruit.The overall data obtained provide new insights into correlation of the expression of PME1 with increased PME1 with increased PME activity as well as pectin content.I.