PEROXIDASE CHANGES IN BARLEY INDUCED BY IONIZING AND THERMAL-RADIATION

Thermal and ionizing (gamma-ray) radiations were used to induce damage to barley seeds (IB65). The activity and isozyme banding patterns of peroxidase were compared. It was found that both physical agents cause d damage to barley seeds (as observed from seedling height), but their action on peroxidase activity is not similar. gamma-Rays enhance pero xidase activity. Thermal radiation, on the other hand, tends to reduce it but fails to alter the number of peroxidase isozymes. It is conjec tured that the pathways of damage by thermal and ionizing radiations a re not the same.