A A C C   2 0 0 0   A n n u a l   M e e t i n g

Phytase or myo-inositol hexaphosphate phosphohydrolase (EC 3.1.3.8) is an enzyme that hydrolyzes phytic acid (myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis dihydrogen phosphate) to myo-inositol and inorganic phosphate through intermediate myo-inositol phosphates down to mono-phosphate. Phytic acid is widely distributed in plants and has both beneficial as well as deleterious effects on health. The major negative effect of phytic acid in cereal based feeds is depriving monogastric animals micronutrients. Another prime problem is potential environmental pollution resulting from inability of these animals to breakdown phytic acid leading to accumulation of phosphates in the environment from the manure. Studies on phytase are important therefore for two main reasons: To determine the distribution of this enzyme in cereals, particularly wheat and uncover its favorable physicochemical properties that would enable us design a strategy for incorporating the enzyme into cereal based feeds to minimize phytic acid levels. We have screened for levels of phytase activity from a variety of wheat cultivars and conducted studies on its stability to several physicochemical factors. We have also sought ways of enhancing levels of extractable activities from wheat bran. The results of these studies are presented and discussed in this poster.