Physiological and biochemical changes associated with cotton fibre development

The relationship between growth and some enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in developing cotton fibre were studied. Two respiratory pathways of glucose oxidation i.e. oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (OPPP) and glycolysis operates in the elongating cotton fibres and the extent of their operation varies with the demand for respiratory products. In this respect, hexokinase, G-6-PDH, 6PGDH, and MDH show increased activities during the period of rapid cell elongation and decreased activities when rate slows down. The conversion of PEP to malate and/or via a transhydrogenase system consisting of enzymes PEPC, MDH and NADP-MDH(d) may play a significant role in carbohydrate compartmentation of developing cotton fibre. As the rate of fibre growth slows down, a decline in enzyme activities, points to a shift in metabolic priorities.