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Auxin-induced Conjugation Systems in Peas
1Research Institute, Research Branch, Canada Agriculture University Sub Post Office, London 72, Ontario, Canada.
Plant Physiology
|January 1, 1972
Summary
Plant hormones called auxins induce enzymes in pea plants. These enzymes process specific compounds, with one enzyme
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Plant hormones, particularly auxins, play crucial roles in plant growth and development.
- Enzyme activity in plants can be modulated by various external stimuli, including hormones and other chemical compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the induction of enzymes in pea (Pisum sativum var. Alaska) sections by auxins.
- To compare the specificities of enzyme induction by different aromatic carboxylic acids and auxins.
- To determine the role of RNA and protein synthesis in the induction of these enzymes.
Main Methods:
- Pretreatment of pea sections with active auxins.
- Assaying enzyme activity responsible for forming aspartate conjugates and benzoylmalic acid.
- Testing the effect of physiologically inactive aromatic carboxylic acids on enzyme induction.
- Investigating the impact of RNA and protein synthesis inhibitors on enzyme induction.
Main Results:
- Active auxins induce an enzyme that forms aspartate conjugates of indoleacetic acid, naphthaleneacetic acid, and benzoic acid.
- A separate enzyme, forming benzoylmalic acid, is induced by both auxins and inactive aromatic carboxylic acids.
- Induction of both enzyme systems is inhibited by low levels of RNA and protein synthesis inhibitors.
Conclusions:
- The induction of aspartate conjugate-forming enzyme is strictly auxin-specific.
- The induction of benzoylmalic acid-forming enzyme shows broader specificity, responding to both auxins and inactive aromatic acids.
- Both auxin-induced enzyme systems require new RNA and protein synthesis for their induction.