Tissue localization of β-glucosidase in rye, maize and wheat seedlings

The localization of β -glucosidase was determined at the tissue level in roots and shoots of rye, wheat and maize seedlings, using an immunohistochemical approach with antibodies directed against purified maize β -glucosidase as the primary antibody. In the roots, the β -glucosidase was found in the epidermis and the underlying cell layer. In the leaves, staining was seen in the epidermis (rye and wheat) and nearby vascular tissue (rye, wheat and maize). In all 3 species, β -glucosidase activity was highest in the coleoptile. Here the enzyme was restricted to the epidermis in wheat and to cells near the vascular tissue in maize, but was found in the whole tissue, except the vascular tissue, in rye. Maize, wheat and rye all contain hydroxamic acid glucosides and results are discussed in relation to a proposed role of β -glucosidase as part of a defense system releasing hydroxamic acid aglucone upon herbivore attack, pathogen penetration or aphid infestation.