Subcellular distribution of superoxide dismutase in leaves of ureide-producing leguminous plants

The subcellular localization of superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC. 1.15.1.1) was studied in leaves of two ureide-producing leguminous plants ( Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Contender and Vigna unguiculata L.] Walp). In leaves of Vigna and Phaseolus , three superoxide dismutases were found, an Mn-SOD and two Cu, Zn-containing SODs (I and II). Chloroplasts, mitochondria, and peroxisomes were purified by differential and density-gradient centrifugation using either Percoll or sucrose gradients. The yields obtained in intact chloroplasts and peroxisomes from Vigna were considerably higher than those achieved for Phaseolus . Purified chloroplasts only contained the Cu, Zn-SOD II isozyme, but in mitochondria both Mn-SOD and Cu, Zn-SOD I isozymes were present. In purified peroxisomes no SOD activity was detected. The absence of SOD activity in leaf peroxisomes from Vigna contrasts with results reported for the amide-metabolizing legume Pisum sativum L. where the occurrence of Mn-SOD was demonstrated in leaf peroxisomes (del Río et al. 1983. Planta 158: 216–224; Sandalio et al. 1987. Plant Sci. 51: 1–8). This suggests that in leaf peroxisomes from Vigna plants the generation of O₂^- radicals under normal conditions probably does not take place.