Induction of hydrolases - Responses to Infection

Plants do respond to attack by pathogens. To restrict their spread the cells synthesise and secrete enzymes to hydrolyse the cell wall material of the pathogen. Chitin and β-1, 3 glucans are important constituents of cell walls of many pathogenic fungi. Therefore, it is pertinent that plants have enzymes for degrading them. On microbial infection the enzymes chitinase and β-1, 3 glucanase are induced for degrading the polymers. Lysozymes are also synthesised in response to infection.