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Activity of two lignin biosynthesis enzymes during development of a maize internode
Author(s) -
Morrison Teresa A,
Kessler J Raymond,
Hatfield Ronald D,
Buxton Dwayne R
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.2740650202
Subject(s) - cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase , lignin , chemistry , enzyme assay , phenylalanine ammonia lyase , elongation , enzyme , biochemistry , cell wall , botany , biosynthesis , food science , biology , ultimate tensile strength , peroxidase , organic chemistry , materials science , metallurgy
To ascertain the temporal relationships of phcnylpropanoid and lignin pathway enzymes, phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL) and cinnamyl alcohol‐ NADPH dehydrogenase(CAD), with lignin concentration, PAL and CAD activities and lignin concentrations were assessed during progressive development of the 10th internode in maize ( Zea mays L). Enzyme activities were quantified and lignin concentrations were determined by the detergent system of fiber fractiona‐ tion from lower, middle, and upper sections of the elongating internode harvested 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 days after the internode had reached 10 mm in length. Over 15 days, a coordinated, sequential, and basipetal pattern of enzyme activities and lignin accumulation evolved through the internode, spanning the stages of rapid elongation, cellular differentiation, and secondary cell wall formation. PAL activity was initiated first, rising to peak activity in elongating tissue, and falling basipetally in tissues as they matured. CAD activity rose in fully elongated, maturing internode tissue where PAL activity was waning following its peak activity. Lignin accumulated in tissues with high CAD activity. CAD activity and lignin deposition patterns were similar: simultaneously increasing in activity and deposition over time while activity and deposition also shifting basipetally through the internode, keeping pace with secondary cell wall formation. Lignin concentration correlated significantly with CAD, but not with PAL.