Cholinesterases from Plant Tissues

The distribution and localization of cholinesterase in Phaseolus aureus, Glycine max, and Pisum sativum is described. The enzyme is present in roots, leaves, stems, root callus tissue, root cells suspension cultures, and root nodules. Cholinesterase in roots is found primarily in the cell wall. In cell fractionation experiments, at least 95% of the cholinesterase activity is associated with cell wall material. The enzyme can be solubilized by salt solutions, whereas Triton X-100 and sodium deoxycholate solubilize relatively small amounts of the enzyme. Cytochemical techniques have been employed to show the presence of cholinesterase activity at the cell surface and in the cell wall of certain cells of the root.