Effect of SO2, on the activity of adenosine 5′‐phosphosulfate sulfotransferase from spruce trees (Picea abies) in fumigation chambers and under field conditions

Abstract

The effect of SO2 on adenosine 5′‐phosphosulfate sulfotransferase activity and various other parameters of needles from spruce (Picea abies L.) was studied using potted grafts in outdoor fumigation chambers and trees growing near a factory. In summer and autumn fumigation of grafted spruce, SO2, decreased the extractable activity of adenosine 5′‐phosphosulfate sulfotransferase to 12–50% of the controls, and reduced the amount of 35S from sulphate incorporated into protein by excised branches to a comparable degree. SO2 treatment in January and February inhibited the increase in adenosine 5′phosphosulfate sulfotransferase activity measured in the controls during this time. ATP‐sulfurylase activity was less affected by SO2. fumigation. In trees growing near a factory with high SO2. emission, the activity of adenosine 5′‐phosphosulfate sulfotransferase was about 35% of that of trees from a control area. The low enzyme activity was correlated with a high content of sulfate and compounds containing thiol groups.