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Effects of Water Stress on the Activities of Three Enzymes in Maize Seedlings ¹

^a Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01002

Changes in the activities of three enzymes (nitrate reductase, L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, and a dehydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-oxidase complex) were measured during development of water stress in young maize (Zea mays) plants.

L-Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and nitrate reductase activities decreased markedly with water deficits of 10 to 20%. The activities did not reach zero at water deficits as high as 50%, but appeared to approach a new steady state. Partial to complete recovery of enzyme activity occurred 24 hours after rehydration of the stressed plants. The oxidase activity did not respond to water stress in the same manner as that of the other two enzymes.

It is suggested that the level of enzyme activity is a consequence of an equilibrium between the rates of synthesis and degradation, and that progressive tissue dehydration reduces both the enzyme synthesis and the enzyme-inactivating systems.