Differential expression of lipoxygenase activity in green gram (Vigna radiata L.)at various stages of development

Abstract

Lipoxygenases (Lox) are a family of non heme iron containing enzymes, catalyzing the insertion of molecular oxygen into polyunsaturated fatty acids. Even though the precise role of Lox in plants is not known, they have been implicated in growth and development, and in senescence. In the present study, Lox activity was measured in different parts of green gram (Vigna radiata L.). Green gram seedlings recorded substantial Lox activity starting from day 1 of germination, reaching a maximum by day 3 with a gradual decline at later stages of development. Stem contributed most to the total Lox activity from seedlings stage to the mature green gram. Lox activity was maximum in leaves (at preflowering stage), flowers (in flowering stage) and seeds (in the mature green gram) during different stages of development. Lox activity in roots gradually increased starting from seedling stage, reaching maximum at flowering with a decline at later stages of development. These observations suggest that Lox in green gram plants is expressed tissue specifically and is developmentally regulated.