Chemiluminescence in Wounded Root Tissue

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Abstract
Root and stem segments from soybean Glycine Max (Merrill cv. Bragg) showed an enhanced chemiluminescence upon mechanical injury. Roots emitted more light than did stems. Light emission was diminished by CN- and N3- but was not affected by rotenone and antimycin A. Catalase quenched chemiluminescence in wounded root segments as did ascorbic acid and hydroquinone. Superoxide dismutase addition resulted in a small diminution in light emission but mannitol, an OH.cntdot. scavenger, was without effect. The addition of H2O2 to wounded root segments markedly elevated chemiluminescence in the presence of air as well as under N2. Peroxidases, found abundantly in roots, may predominantly contribute to light emission in wounded plant tissue.