Thermal stability of catalases active in dormant saffron (Crocus sativus L.) corms.

Catalase activity was detected in crude extract prepared from dormant saffron (Crocus sativus L.) corms. The activity was independent of pH in the range 6.0-11.0. Thermostability studies suggested the presence of three isoenzymes with transition temperatures of 30 degrees C, 45 degrees C and 60 degrees C, respectively, as given by Arrhenius plots. When stained for catalase activity gel electropherograms of extract revealed 3 distinct bands with apparent molecular weight of 323,000, 295,000 and 268,000, respectively. Thus it appeared that at least three isoenzymes of catalase were present in dormant saffron corms.