Expression of enzymes during the germination of seeds in endangered cerrado species

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the enzymes expression during the seeds germination process of ever-lasting species Comanthera elegans and Comanthera bisulcata. For the evaluation of the seeds physiological potential, the germination test and index of germination speed were performed. The expression of enzymes esterase (EST), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and endo-β-mannanase during the germination process were evaluated. The expression of these enzymes was evaluated in dried seeds, in the protrusion, in the emergence of the primal leaf, at the beginning of the formation of normal seedling and dormant seeds at the end of the germination process. To the extent that the germination process occurs in the species C. bisulcata and C. elegans there is greater expression of the enzyme CAT and lower of the enzyme EST. There is variation in the expression of the enzymes SOD, ADH and MDH in seeds of both species during the germination process. The enzyme endo-β-mannanase presents greater activity in seeds with radicle protrusion in the two studied species.