Summary
The presence and activity of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D, E.C.4.2.1.24) inZea mays L. was studied. Seedlings of several inbred lines and their hybrids were employed as enzyme source, and enzyme activity and the kinetic parameters (Vmax and KM) determined. The wide variations of the enzyme activity and kinetic parameters found in the tested lines support the hypothesis that ALA-D varies in concentration and isoenzyme distribution. Enzyme activity was greater in some hybrids than in their parent lines. As the same hybrids correspond to varieties appreciated for their high productivity and good morphological characteristics it is suggested that ALA-D activity levels could be adopted as an auxiliary parameter for establishing heterosis.
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Scarponi, L., Perucci, P. & Monotti, M. ALA-dehydratase activity inZea mays L.. Plant Soil 85, 337–343 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02220189
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02220189