| Abstract: | The cell wall loosening enzymes viz. glycosidases, polygalacturonase and xylanase were analyzed in cytoplasmic and wall bound fractions extracted from control and hormone (GA3 NAA, PAA) treated internodes, as they are known to play a key role in cell wall metabolism. Among the glycosidases, wall bound β-glucosidase and α-galactosidase activities were significantly correlated with age of control internodes. Cytoplasmic α-galactosidase showed significant correlation in hormone treated internodes. Maximum correlation was observed in GA3, followed by PAA and NAA. Wall bound xylanase activity was well correlated with length only in NAA treated internodes and less after GA3 treatment while cytoplasmic xylanase showed correlation with intrnode length only in control and after NAA treatment. Cytoplasmic polygalacturonase showed correlation with internode length only after GA3 treatment while wall bound polygalacturonase showed correlation with internode length after NAA treatment. The possible role of these enzymes in internode development is discussed. |
