The amylolytic action of Maple and Birch Saps

By means of filter paper chromatography and dialysis experiments combined with fermentation procedures, it was shown that maple sap contains an enzyme producing maltose but not cellobiose from starch. Birch sap contains an enzyme system converting starch into a mixture of maltose, glucose and dextrins, again without production of cellobiose. The amylases of maple and birch sap probably belong to the a-group. It is a pleasure to thank the Elizabeth Thompson Science Fund for generous help in equipment.