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Ascorbate and glutathione metabolism during development and desiccation of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seeds

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Abstract

The ascorbate-glutathione system was studied during development and maturation of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seeds, the classification of which in the orthodox category is controversial. This study revealed an increase in glutathione content after acquisition of desiccation tolerance, which was more intensive in embryonic axes than in cotyledons. During seed maturation, the redox status of glutathione markedly changed toward the more reducing state, especially in cotyledons. Ascorbic acid content decreased during maturation, mostly in cotyledons. Activities of the enzymes of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle—ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MR, EC 1.6.5.4), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR, EC 1.8.5.1) and glutathione reductase (GR, EC 1.6.4.2)—were markedly higher in embryonic axes than in cotyledons throughout the study period. In the course of seed maturation, the activities of these enzymes decreased. Importance of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle in desiccation tolerance of beech seeds was discussed in relation to results for typical orthodox and recalcitrant seeds of other broadleaved species.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by research funds of the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Seed Biochemistry Lab, Institute of Dendrology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 62-035, Kórnik, Poland

    Stanislawa Pukacka & Ewelina Ratajczak

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  1. Stanislawa Pukacka
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  2. Ewelina Ratajczak
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Correspondence to Stanislawa Pukacka.

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Pukacka, S., Ratajczak, E. Ascorbate and glutathione metabolism during development and desiccation of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seeds. Plant Growth Regul 62, 77–83 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10725-010-9492-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10725-010-9492-7

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