Synergism of cockroach (Periplaneta americana) -amylase and -glucosidase hydrolysis of starches

Cockroach Periplaneta Americana α-amylase hydrolysed starch to maltose and maltodextrin. However, this enzyme was not active against maltose and maltotriose (2 h of reaction). α-Glucosidase of the same organism exhibited activities toward maltose and maltodextrin to glucose. Synergism was observed especially between both enzymes to produce glucose for cockroach P. Americana nutrition. Key Words: α-Amylase, α-glucosidase, cockroach, Periplaneta Americana , synergism. African Journal of Biotechnology Vo l.3(10) 2004: 529-533