Aluminium induced esterase activity and isozyme pattern in barley root tip

Abstract

Changes in the activity of esterase as well as changes in the viability of root cells and some growth parameters were analysed during cultivation of barley seedlings in the artificial substrate under Al stress conditions. Aluminium-induced elevated esterase activity correlated with Al uptake, root growth inhibition and increased Evans blue uptake in the barley root tips. Analysis of isozyme pattern of esterase revealed one anodic and one cathodic esterase isozyme induced by Al-treatment. The possible role of elevated esterase activity during Al stress is discussed.

Keywords

• aluminium uptake
• cell death
• esterase activity
• isoesterases