Inductive Responses of Alcohol and Malic Dehydrogenases in Relation to Flooding Tolerance in Roots

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Abstract
The levels of alcohol dehydrogenase and malic dehydrogenase activity were investigated in the roots of various species grown for several days, in aerated and non-aerated culture solutions. The activity of these enzymes in non-aerated cultures increased but only in those species previously found to be intolerant of experimental flooding. The induction of alcohol dehydrogenase was reversible. Physiological concentrations of acetaldehyde induced alcohol dehydrogenase activity, this induction being greatest in the species intolerant of flooding. It is suggested that the ineffectiveness of the inductive stimulus in the plants tolerant of flooding contributes to their homeostatic survival properties under high water-table conditions.