LOCALIZATION OF MYROSINASE (THIOGLUCOSIDE GLUCOHYDROLASE, EC 3.2.3.1) IN COTYLEDON CELLS OF RAPESEED

Abstract

Myrosinase (thioglucoside glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.3.1) activity in dehulled seeds of Brassica napus cultivar Tower, B. campestris cultivar Candle and B. juncea (oriental mustard) was localized by cyto-chemical and biochemical procedures. It was found to be associated with the plasmalemma (plasma membrane) in the majority of embryonic cells which is contrary to the general belief that myrosinase is found only in a few specialized idioblasts called ‘myrosin cells’. The presence of lead and sulfur in electron-opaque deposits resulting from in situ myrosinase activity was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray analyses. Association of myrosinase activity with the plasmalemma was also verified by fractionation and biochemical procedures. Although there were indications of some myrosinase activity in aleurone grains (protein bodies), the evidence was inconclusive.