EFFECT OF CHROMIUM ON ACTIVITIES OF HYDROLYTIC ENZYMES IN GERMINATING PEA-SEEDS

Inclusion of chromium (VI) as potassium dichromate in media significantly depressed activities of ribonuclease (E.C.3.1.4.23), acid phosphatase (E.C.3.1.3.2), phytase (E.C.3.2.1.26), alpha-amylase (E.C.3.2.1.1) and beta-amylase (E.C.3.2.1.2), but not of starch phosphorylase (E.C.2.4.1.1) and acid protease (caseolytic activity) in germinating pea seeds. This metal (chromium) hastened the appearance of alpha-amylase and maltase (E.C.3.2.1.20) activities. The possible impact of these effects on the metabolism of germinating pea seeds is discussed.