Aspartate aminotransferase isoenzymes in cucumber roots as depending upon the mineral composition of the medium

Abstract

Aspartate aminotransferase (GOT) isoenzymes separated by means of electrophoresis on cellulose acetate gel were examined. Five GOT isoenzymes were discovered in cucumber roots after several days of their growth. The activity of these isoenzymes was dependent upon the mineral composition of the medium. If the medium did not contain nitrogen, isoenzymes 1, 3, and 4 showed only slight activity. Activity of all of the isoenzymes in the roots of seedlings assimilating NH4+ ions was higher than in the roots of seedlings assimilating N03- ions. Higher activity was observed in all of the isoemzymes in the nitrate or ammonium medium lacking calcium, while only some showed higher activity at the lack of potassium.