Observations on the Germ Aleurone of Barley. Phenol Oxidase and Peroxidase Activity

Strips of tissue containing the germ aleurone layer were removedfrom dry, harvest-ripe grains of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)and incubated in buffered solutions of phenolic compounds, withand without the addition of hydrogen peroxide. Peroxidase ando-diphenol oxidase activity were found in the material releasedinto the incubation medium, and in the cytoplasm of the germaleurone cells. Peroxidase activity was located in the cellwalls and appeared to be high in the region where the germ aleuronecovering the embryonic axis merges into that which adheres tothe scutellum i.e. the region in which a row of germ aleuronecells becomes lignified following germination. Monophenol oxidaseactivity was not detected in the released enzymes or in theintact tissue. Although hydroquinone was oxidized in the cytoplasmof the germ aleurone tissue, unequivocal evidence of the presenceof laccase was not obtained. The oxidation of endogenous phenolicsubstances by phenol oxidases and peroxidases is discussed inrelation to anti-microbial defence mechanisms which appear tooperate in the germ aleurone during germination.Copyright 1994,1999 Academic Press Barley, Hordeum vulgare L., germ aleurone, catechol oxidase, laccase, peroxidase, defence mechanisms, germination