Factors Affecting Lipase Activity in the Oil Palm (Elaeis Guineensis) Mesocarp

Abstract

The mesocarp of the ripe oil palm fruit accumulates large amounts of palm oil, an economically desirable product. The level of free fatty acids (FFA) is an important determinant of oil quality and little is known of the factors affecting this parameter in the oil palm fruit. Evidence is presented here for the presence of an active endogenous lipase in the oil palm mesocarp. Lipase activity was located in the oil body fraction. Maximum in vitro activity was observed at 18°C but using an in vivo assay maximum activity was obtained at 5°C. Low temperature activation was less pronounced in a water-saturated environment.