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Effect of copper excess on superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase activities in sunflower seedlings (Helianthus annuus L.)

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Abstract

The changes in lipid peroxidation, antioxidative and lignifying enzyme activities were studied in leaves and stems of Cu-stressed sunflower seedlings. In both organs, membrane lipid peroxidation was enhanced by copper treatment. Additionally, catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) and superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) activities were modulated: The activity of superoxide dismutase was enhanced in both plant organs. Differently, catalase activity was not affected in leaves but significantly reduced in stems. Peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) activities were also changed. Guaiacol peroxidase activity was increased in leaves and stems. In the same way, electrophoretic analysis of the anionic isoperoxidases involved in lignification (syringaldazine peroxidase) revealed qualitative and quantitative changes on the isoenzyme patterns. These modifications were accompanied by the increase of the NADH-oxidase activity in ionically cell wall bound fraction. It appeared that the growth delay caused by copper excess could be related to the activation of lignifying peroxidases.

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Abbreviations

CAT:

catalase

EDTA:

ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid

FW:

fresh weight

GPX:

guaiacol peroxidase

MDA:

malondialdehyde

PAGE:

polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

SOD:

superoxide dismutase

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  1. Laboratoire de Biologie et Physiologie Cellulaires Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, 7021 Zarzouna, Bizerte, Tunisia

    Hager Jouili & Ezzeddine El Ferjani

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  1. Hager Jouili
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  2. Ezzeddine El Ferjani
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Jouili, H., El Ferjani, E. Effect of copper excess on superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase activities in sunflower seedlings (Helianthus annuus L.). Acta Physiol Plant 26, 29–35 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-004-0041-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-004-0041-8

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