PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF THE ENZYME ALPHA- GALACTOSIDASE AND FOR THE HYDROLYSIS OF RAFFINOSE BY EMPLOYING SUCH ENZYME

摘要

The invention relates to a process for the production of the alpha-galactosidase (3.2.1.22) enzyme by culturing yeasts of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genus in a temperature range from 20.degree.C to 40.degree.C. The invention also relates to a process for enzymic hydrolysis of raffinose by alpha-galactosidase (3.2.1.22) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Such hydrolysis may take place with the yeast cells being present or also in the presence af enzymic extracts, both as such and enriched. An important advantage of the invention is the high alpha-galactosidasic activity of the selected microorganisms, together with the absence of any invertasic activity.