Biochemical Properties of the Plasmalemma ATPase of Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) Tubers in Relation to Dormancy

Enzymological properties of the ATPase of plasmalemma-enrichedfractions obtained from the parenchyma of Jerusalem artichoke(Helianthus tuberosus L.) tubers were studied in relation tothe morphogenetic properties of the tubers. Preparations fromdormant tubers showed higher V_max and K_m values than those fromnon-dormant tubers. These differences persisted after solubilizationof the enzyme with octylglucoside, but were slightly modifiedafter addition of K$ to the reaction medium. The implicationsof these results are discussed in relation to the morphogeneticproperties of the tubers (Received August 24, 1987; Accepted March 19, 1988)