β-Glucosidase activity is involved in scent production in narcissus flowers

Extrinsic environmental cues and intrinsic developmental stages of the flower control the production of scent from flowers. Flowers emit seem only when they are open; yet, the precursors for the aromatic compounds are also present in buds, stored as non-fragrant glycosides in the vacuole. We demonstrate that in Narcissus flowers scent emission is concurrent with an increase in the activity of β-glucosidase. The inhibition in vivo of β- glucosidase activity decreases scent emission from Narcissus flowers. The β- glucosidase activity was partially purified and the K(m), V(max) and inhibition by gluconic acid lactone was determined.