Polygalacturonase enzyme is involved in:
Polygalacturonase is a major pectinase induced during tomato ripening, leaf abscission and pod dehiscence, directly responsible for fruit softening. Primary cell wall and middle lamella contain homogalacturonan composed of α-1,4-linked D-galacturonic acid residues partially methylesterified. During breaker to red stage, ethylene upregulates endo-polygalacturonase, pectin methylesterase and cellulase synergistically. Endo-PG hydrolyzes internal glycosidic bonds, reducing polymer length, increasing water solubility, decreasing cell-to-cell adhesion, facilitating separation of cells and access fo
Ref: Alberts Molecular Biology of the Cell 6th ed Chapter 20 Plant Cell Walls; Taiz & Zeiger Plant Physiology, PG pectin degradation.
