The activity of ascorbic acid and catechol oxidase, the rate of photosynthesis and respiration as related to plant organs, stage of development and copper supply

Abstract

Some experiments were performed to investigate the physiological role of copper in oat and sunflower and to recognize some effects of copper deficiency. Oat and sunflower plants were grown in pots on a peat soil under copper deficiency conditions (–Cu) or with the optimal copper supply (+Cu). In plants the following measurements were carried out: 1) the activity of ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO) and of catechol oxidase (PPO) in different plant organs and at different stages of plant development, 2) the activity and the rate of photosynthesis, 3) the activity of RuDP-carboxylase, 4) the intensity of plant respiration. The activity of AAO and of PPO, and also the rate and the activity of photosynthesis were significantly lower under conditions of copper deficiency. The activity of both discussed oxidases depended on: 1) the plant species, 2) plant organs, 3) stage of plant development. Copper deficiency caused decrease of the respiration intensity of sunflower leaves but it increased to some extent the respiration of oat tops. Obtained results are consistent with the earlier suggestion of the authors that the PPO activity in sunflower leaves could be a sensitive indicator of copper supply of the plants, farther experiments are in progress.