Effect of chilling on the diurnal rhythm of enzymes involved in protection against oxidative stress in a chilling-tolerant and a chilling-sensitive maize genotype

The effect of chilling on diurnal changes in activity of adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate sulfotransferase, glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2) and glutathione transferase (EC 2.5.1.18) was analysed in the second leaf of Z 7, a chilling-tolerant, and Penjalinan, a chilling-sensitive maize (Zea mays L.) genotype. Nitrate reductase (EC 1.6.6.1) was measured for comparison. All enzyme activities examined changed with a typical diurnal rhythm in both genotypes cultivated at 25°C. Adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate sulfotransferase and nitrate reductase activity peaked during the light period, then decreased and reached lowest levels at the end of the dark period. Glutathione reductase activity increased in the dark and decreased during the light period. Maximum glutathione transferase activities were measured in the middle of the light period, minimal ones in the middle of the dark period. At 12°C these diurnal changes were eliminated in all enzymes examined of both genotypes.

The average adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate sulfotransferase and glutathione reductase activity were higher in the chilling-tolerant Z 7 than in the sensitive Penjanilan at 12°C in the light. Increased levels of both enzymes may contribute in establishing increased levels of cysteine and reduced glutathione in the chilling-tolerant Z 7. Indeed it has been shown before that the chilling-tolerant maize genotypes contain higher levels of both compounds at low temperatures than chilling-sensitive ones.