CATALASE ACTIVITY IN DEVELOPING SEEDLING OF OPIUM POPPY PAPAVER-SOMNIFERUM L

Catalase is an enzyme unique to glyoxysomes in developing poppy seedli ngs. Catalase activity is very low in endosperm and in embryo of germi nating poppy seeds. During postgerminative growth and development the enzyme activity increases rapidly with maximum in endosperm on day 2 a nd in developing seedling on day 3. A rapid decline of enzyme activity parallells the extension growth of poppy seedlings. Three electrophor etic forms of catalase have been detected in isolated glyoxysomes and partially purified catalase preparation. Electron microscopic observat ion indicates the presence of catalase in glyoxysomes of parenchyma ce lls of poppy seedling cotyledons. Numerous lipid bodies and electron-d ense deposits in vacuoles are the most characteristic feature of these cells.