Studies on Pectolytic Enzymes of Molds

The clarification of apple juice has been studied using six pectolytic enzymes produced by Coniothyrium diplodiella, endo-PG (polygalacturonase) I, II and III, exo-PG and PE (pectinesterase) I and II. Each of these six enzymes had no effect on the clarification of apple juice when acted alone, whereas mixtures of any one of endo-PGs and PEs were all able to clarify the juice. Mixtures of exo-PG and either of PEs has no effect on the clarification. Clarifying activities of PG-PE mixtures were varied with the kind of endo-PG used in each mixture and not with the kind of PE. Clarifying activity of PG-PE mixture depended on either endo-PG or PE activities when the other was kept constant.

Crude enzyme from the mold and a mixture of the four PGs and PE in the ratio of the crude enzyme had essentially identical effect on apple juice as well as on artificial pectin and pectic acid.