MULTIPLE FORMS OF SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE IN APOPLAST AND WHOLE-NEEDLE EXTRACT OF OMORIKA (Picea omorika (PANC.) purkinye)

Abstract

Activity and isoenzyme composition or superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) in apoplast and whole-needle extract of P. omorika was studied. Total SOD activity of the soluble fraction of the needle extract exceeded markedly that of the apoplastic SOD. Several acidic (pl 3-6) and two slow-migrating basic (pl 7.5-8) SOD isoforms have been found in the whole extract. The extracellular SOD had an extremely acidic (pI 3) isoform. Using specific inhibitors, Cu/Zn- and Mn- superoxide dismutase forms were identified in the total extract, while in the apoplast only Mn- SOD was observed. Fe-isoform was not present in a detectable level. Presented results are important, since superoxide dismutase is involved in plant response to the increased level of organic and oxygen free radicals and related H202 increase. It is also employed as parameter in biomonitoring of the environment. This work is the first study of superoxide dismutase in omorika species.