Differential activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase in seedlings and in vitro micro-propagated oak (Quercus robur L.)

Catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity profiles were examined by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in different tissues of seedlings and microcuttings of oak (Quercus robur L.) initiated from crown material (NL100A) and from basal epicormic shoots (NL100R), which differ in rooting ability. Two CAT isoforms were differentially active in seedlings and microcuttings; in particular, CAT-2 was activated in the basal callus of rooted microshoots. SOD isoenzymes, Mn-SOD and at least four Cu/Zn-SODs were found to be present, with Mn- SODs particularly active in microcuttings. No differences were found between the electrophoretic profiles of the two lines despite their different ontogenetic origin. The strong activity of CAT-2 in rooted microshoots indicates that this isoform is a protein specifically related to rooting.