Role of peroxidase and esterase activities during cotton fiber development

Abstract

Cytoplasmic and salt-extracted wall peroxidase and nonspecific esterase activities along with growth analysis were investigated during the entire period of cotton fiber development. Both the peroxidase fractions, when assayed with chlorogenic and ferulic acids as substrates, recorded low levels during the fiber elongation phase, and a close relationship between cessation of elongation growth and increase in peroxidase activity was discernible. Nonspecific esterase activity in both cytoplasmic and salt-extracted fractions, on the other hand, showed higher activity during the elongation phase, whereas during the secondary thickening phase it decreased. The role of cytoplasmic peroxidase in IAA oxidation is discussed. It is suggested that esterases and peroxidases associated with wall fractions may well be involved in turnover of phenolic acids that are cross-linked to wall polysaccharides.