[Studies on microbodies in spadix appendices of Arum maculatum L. and Sauromatum guttatum schott]

When the sections of the spadix appendix of Arum are incubated in a medium containing diaminobenzidine and H2O2, only the membrane of microbodies is stained. On the other hand, microbodies of Sauromatum show a stained matrix as usual. Catalase-containing cell organelles isolated from spadix appendices of Arum show the same typical membrane staining as the microbodies in situ do. Thus the identity of these organelles with microbodies seems to be proved. After anthesis the microbodies in situ usually do not give a positive reaction for catalase with diaminobenzidine and H2O2. However, cytochemical and biochemical tests for catalase on microbodies isolated during this stage of development clearly demonstrate the presence of this enzyme. Uricase is localized in the microbodies of Arum as well as catalase. No malate dehydrogenase, peroxidase, and allantoinase could be found in the microbodies. Before anthesis the microbodies of spadix appendices of Arum have an equilibrium density in aqueous sucrose of 1.22 gcm(-3). After anthesis the density changes into 1.23 to 1.24 gcm(-3).