Esterase isozyme patterns in Glycine max exposed to gamma radiation

Abstract

The esterase isozyme patterns for irradiated and non-irradiated soybean seed and seedlings were determined by starch gel electrophoresis. Patterns were determined for cotyledons, hypocotyl, epicotyl, first pair of leaves, and roots. Two different esterase systems, E1 and E2, were detected by using appropriate substrates. E1 produces three anodic bands with both α- and β-naphthyl acetate. E2 acts only on α-naphthyl acetate producing three cathodic bands. Radiation did not change the patterns. Results indicate that esterase isozymes are more abundant in the aerial than in the underground portion of developing seedlings.