Oxidation processes in relation to the induction of enzymes in Jerusalem artichoke tuber slices

Abstract

The effect of diethyldithiocarbamate (DIECA) and ethylenediamine tetraacetate (EDTA) on the wounding-dependent induction of phenol oxidase and peroxidase in Jerusalem artichoke tuber slices has been investigated. DIECA which is a good inhibitor of oxidase reactions inhibits the induction of enzymes. EDTA which does not affect these reactions prevents the induction only at a concentration of 5 μmoles/ml. At a concentration of 1 μmole/ml, however, which stimulates the rate of oxygen uptake by the slices, EDTA also stimulates the induction of enzymes.The induction of enzymes was enhanced when slices were cultured in the presence of compounds having two neighboring carbonyl groups (dehydroascorbate, pyruvate, and oxalate).The rate of both induction and oxygen uptake increased with increasing intensity of slicing.