Changes in Total Nitrogen, Soluble Protein, and Peroxidases in the Expanding Leaf Zone of Eastern Cottonwood

Abstract

Nitrogen content and soluble protein and anodal peroxidase banding in acrylamide gel changed with leaf and internode development in the expanding leaf zone of eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr.). Nitrogen per unit leaf area was high near the apex and decreased to a constant value at the sixth node below it. Soluble protein banding was qualitatively similar for leaves and internodes in this zone, but anodal peroxidases differed between leaves and internodes. The major leaf peroxidase band was absent from the second leaf below the apex but present in the fourth and sixth leaves; its appearance and intensification seemed to parallel the development of photosynthetic activity. The major internode peroxidase band was present in the apex, second, fourth, and sixth internodes, and intensified during internodal development. It is suggested that these two “isoenzymes” may have different functions in vivo.