Sod and Catalase Activity During in Vitro Morphogenesis of C. Bicolor : Studies on antioxidant enzymes activities(SOD and catalase) during in vitro morphogenesis of Caladium bicolor L.

Evolution of aerobic metabolism such as respiration and photosynthesis resulted in generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which has a damaging effect on macromolecules and plasma membrane. To counteract the effect caused by ROS, SOD and catalase are enzymes evolved for the scavenging of ROS.Catalase decomposes the product of SOD activity into H2O and H.Activities of SOD and Catalase enzymes during in vitro morphogenesis of C. bicolor on MS medium supplemented with 0.3mg/L NAA and BAP was carried out. Callus induction, somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration was obtained on these medium.For the study of SOD and Catalase activities, callus,somatic embryos (SEs) and regenerated plantlet samples were taken.SOD activity was highest in SEs,it decreased sharply during plantletregeneration time and lowest activity was recorded in callus.Catalase activity was very low in callus, it doubled in SEs and maximum of CAT activity was observed in the regenerated plantlet.Somatic embryogenesis seems to require more activity of SOD and shoot organogenesis seems to require more of catalase activity.