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Role of polygalacturonase in bean leaf abscission
1Department of the Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts 01063.
Plant Physiology
|June 1, 1979
Summary
Polygalacturonase enzyme activity in bean leaves did not correlate with leaf drop. However, its presence in the abscission zone suggests a potential role in the plant process.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Leaf abscission is a complex process in plants.
- Polygalacturonase enzymes are involved in cell wall degradation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of polygalacturonase in Phaseolus vulgaris (bean) leaf abscission.
- To characterize bean leaf polygalacturonase and compare it to other plant enzymes.
Main Methods:
- Partial characterization of bean polygalacturonase.
- Assay of enzyme activity in leaf explants during abscission.
- Localization studies of the enzyme within the abscission zone.
Main Results:
- Bean polygalacturonase has a pH optimum of 4.5-5.0 and acts exofashion.
- Enzyme activity was higher on deesterified pectin and did not correlate with abscission.
- Activity remained constant during abscission, regardless of ethylene treatment.
Conclusions:
- Despite no direct correlation with abscission, polygalacturonase is localized in the abscission zone.
- A theoretical model is proposed to explain the potential relationship between polygalacturonase and bean leaf abscission.
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