Mathematical models of depolymerization of amylose by α‐amylases

For a long time the action pattern of depolymerizing enzymes was explored by examining the distribution of products. Some attempts to interpret the data on the action of α‐amylases on amylose quantitatively have led to conflicting results. In the present work, new mathematical models are developed based on the properties of the most‐probable distribution and on the recently established fact of its partial stability at enzyme depolymerization. Published data for several α‐amylases are reexamined in light of this theoretical analysis. The theory proposed permits us to resolve a controversy concerning the interpretation of experimental data in this field.