Influence of gamma radiation on the activities of some carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in the cotyledons and the leaves of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L. ) bean seedlings

Thesis/Dissertation · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:6700777

Ahanotu, P A

Studies indicated that 21-day old cotyledons from gamma irradiated seeds of fenugreek beans were heavier and had more starch and sugar than their non-irradiated controls. To test whether these effects occurred in the leaves and to seek a possible biochemical explanation for these results, the activities of five enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism were studied. Three groups of fenugreek bean seeds were irradiated (100-300 Gy) and then allowed to grow for 21 days. On harvest, wet and dry weights of both cotyledons and leaves were determined. Starch and sugar contents in cotyledons and leaves were measured. The five enzymes ..cap alpha..-amylase, ..beta..-amylase, starch phosphorylase, ADPG-pyrophosphorylase and ribulose-1,5-diphosphate carboxylase were extracted from cotyledons and leaves, respectively. The protein contents and activities of the enzyme extracts were determined. The results suggest an increase in carbohydrate metabolism in cotyldeons and a decrease in leaves due to the radiation treatment of the seeds before germination. Thus, increased amounts of starch and sugars are observed in the cotyledons, and decreased amounts in the leaves. Radiation damage to the translocatory system of the plant may retard the movement of sugars from the cotyledons to the other parts of the plant. This may cause accumulation of sugars and starch in the cotyledons, leading to an increase in their size and weight.

• Research Organization: Texas Woman's Univ., Denton (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6700777
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BEANS
LEAVES
SEEDLINGS
SEEDS
CARBOHYDRATES
METABOLISM
GAMMA RADIATION
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
STARCH
PHOSPHORYLATION
AMYLASE
CARBOXYLESTERASES
PHOSPHOTRANSFERASES
SACCHAROSE
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DISACCHARIDES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ENZYMES
ESTERASES
FOOD
GLYCOSYL HYDROLASES
HYDROLASES
IONIZING RADIATIONS
O-GLYCOSYL HYDROLASES
OLIGOSACCHARIDES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PHOSPHORUS-GROUP TRANSFERASES
PLANTS
POLYSACCHARIDES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
REAGENTS
SACCHARIDES
TRANSFERASES
VEGETABLES
560140* - Radiation Effects on Plants
560120 - Radiation Effects on Biochemicals
Cells
& Tissue Culture