Ornithine Decarboxylase and Arginine Decarboxylase Activities in Meristematic Tissues of Tomato and Potato Plants

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Abstract
Ornithine decarboxylase and arginine decarboxylase activities were measured in roots and buds of tomato (L. esculentum Mill. cv. Pearson ms-35) and potato (S. tuberosum cv. Desire) plants. In both, the activity of ornithine decarboxylase was the highest at the root tip, decreasing proximally. The same was true for potato buds. In vegetative buds of tomato, the highest activity was found in the youngest leaves. The older the leaf, the lower was orithine decarboxylase activity. Arginine decarboxylase did not display a similar gradient. These findings are in accordance with the suggestion that in tomato and potato elevated ornithine decarboxylase activity is associated with intense mitotic activity.