Popis: |
The potential role of diamine oxidase (DAO) and polyamine oxidase (PAO) in relation to polyamines was investigated in epicotyls, roots and leaf blades at 3 and 6 days after gibberellic acid (GA) application in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seedlings of cvs. Maythorpe (non-mutant parent) and Golden Promise (semi-dwarf mutant). There was a significant increase in epicotyl and leaf-blade elongation rates in GA-treated seedlings of cv. Maythorpe as compared to cv. Golden Promise. DAO and PAO were detectable in all segments of the leaf blade, but the highest activities were present in basal segments. These enzymes, which are thought to have a role in the elimination of cellular polyamines, increased in activity following GA application compared to controls. Application of 10−6 M GA to the first leaf, significantly increased endogenous bound putrescine (Put) levels in both the epicotyl and leaf blade of cv. Maythorpe. In contrast, there was only a slight increase in cv. Golden Promise. Levels of soluble Put increased in roots and leaf blades of both cultivars following GA treatment but the effect was greatest in leaves of cv. Maythorpe. It is suggested that polyamines may play a role in GA-induced epicotyl and leaf-blade elongation in barley. |