Abstract
$\alpha$-Amylase (EC.3.2.1.1) of Neurospora crassa (ATCC9279) was cloned in E. coli HB101 using shotgun method, and the enzymes isolated from both N. crassa and E. coli were compared. Chromosomal DNA isolated from the spores of N. crassa was partially digested with PstI restriction endonuclease and rejoined to pBR322 which had been digested with the same enzyme. The resulting recombinant DNA were introduced into E. coli HB101 which had competancy by treating with $CaCl_{2}$. As the result, about 8000 colonies which showed tetracycline resistance were selected and two of the colonies which had 13.5Kb recombinant plasmid exhibit starch degrading activity on starch-containing plate when treated with D-cycloserine. $\alpha$-Amylases from both N.crassa and E. coli were isolated by using ammonium sulfate precipitation, DEAE-cellulose ion exchange column chromatography and Bio-Gel P150 gel foltration column. As the result, about 81.3 fold and 5.6 fold purifications in specific activities were obtained respectively, and specific activities of the gel filtrates were 6.1u/mg and 85u/mg respectively. The properties of both enzymes were compared and they showed quite the similar patterns in optimal temperature, optimal pH and had same molecular weight about 100,000 daltons on gel filtration method. Optimal temperatures for both enzymes were $70^{\circ}C$ and optimal pH were about 6 and 10.