A Comparison of Nitrite Reductase Enzymes from Green Leaves, Scutella, and Roots of Corn (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Nitrite reductase from green leaves of corn (Zea mays L.) is eluted from a diethylaminoethyl-cellulose column in one peak of activity by a chloride gradient, while nitrite reductase from scutellum tissue is resolved into two peaks of activity, apparently representing two forms of the enzyme NiR1 and NiR2. One of these (NiR2) elutes at the same concentration of chloride as the leaf nitrite reductase. Roots and etiolated shoots also exhibited both forms of the enzyme, however, lesser amounts of NiR1 is extractable from these tissues than from scutellum. Comparison of green leaf nitrite reductase with NiR2 from scutellum tissue shows similar or identical properties with respect to molecular weight, isoelectric point, electron donor requirements, inhibition properties, pH optima, thermal stability, and pH tolerance. The significance of these similarities in relation to probable differences in the biochemical mechanism of nitrite reduction between leaf and scutellum tissues is discussed. Although ferredoxin is considered, with some reservations, to be the electron donor for nitrite reductase in green tissue, the reductant for nongreen tissue is not known. The possibility that nitrite reductases from green and non-green tissues uses the same electron donor, in vivo, is considered.