ACID AND ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITIES IN PLANTAIN FLOWER BRACT

Phosphatase enzyme activities were investigated in plantain (Musa paradisiacal) bracts to determine the activities of ALP and ACP. Fresh bracts were collected and analyzed for both acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities using p-nitrophenyl phosphate as substrate. The study revealed that alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly higher than acid phosphatase activity in plantain bracts, with mean values of 0.265 ± 0 µmol/min/g fresh weight and 0.253 ± 0.008 µmol/min/g fresh weight, respectively. Maximum ACP activity was observed at pH 3.5, while ALP showed optimal activity at pH 9.5. Temperature optimization studies indicated peak activities at 45°C for ACP and 40°C for ALP. Mg2+ was used as a modulator and results gotten showed than it was a positive modulator for both ALP and ACP as their activity increased, While Pi was shown to inhibit the activities of both Enzymes. The presence of these phosphatases, particularly the predominant acid phosphatase, indicates their crucial role in phosphate metabolism during bract development and senescence. These findings provide valuable insights into the biochemical processes occurring in plantain bracts and may contribute to understanding the physiological changes during plantain flower development.