Lightmicroscopical histochemistry of hydrolases in the root tip of lima beans,Phaseolus lunatus L., in relation to cell differentiation and wound regeneration

Summary Acid phosphatase, -glucosidase, -galactosidase, glucosaminidase, nonspecific esterase and leucine aminopeptidase were determined histochemically in Lima bean root tips. Highest enzyme activities were observed in terminally differentiating cells, such as xylem and root cap cells and also in the rhizodermis. Meristematic and parenchymatic cells contained the lowest hydrolase activity. The histochemical enzyme pattern of developing lateral roots resembled in all details that of the main root. tip. Regenerating root tissue contained increased levels of acid phosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, -glucosidase, naphthol--galactosidase and nonspecific esterase. Changes in the activity of indoxyl--galactosidase, -glucosaminidase, and leucine aminopeptidase were not observed during wound regeneration. Cell viability was monitored histochemically with succinic dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and cytochrome C oxidase.