A Biochemical and Cytochemical Study of Peroxidase Activity in Roots ofPisum sativum

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Abstract
Changes in the specific activity and multiple forms of peroxidase along the differentiating root of Pisum sativum have been examined. The specific activity of the total homogenate increased steadily along the root, although that of the low speed supernatant fraction showed a fall in the first 20 mm. This finding supports previous cytochemical studies which showed low activity in the meristem and increased cell wall activity in the older regions. Acid phosphatase also increased gradually along the root, although phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) showed a peak in the 20–40 mm region which corresponded with the first positive staining for lignin. When stelar and cortical tissues were compared, peroxidase specific activity was highest in a cortical supernatant fraction while PAL was highest in the stelar tissues. The separation of peroxidase by gel electrophoresis showed the presence of a number of bands'which varied both along the root and between stele and cortex. The results are discussed in relation to the possible functions of peroxidase and, in particular, to its proposed role in lignification.

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