Diamine Oxidase in Cotyledons of Pisum sativum Develops as a Result of the Supply of Oxygen through the Embryonic Axis during Germination.

The activity of diamine oxidase (EC 1.4.3.6.) in pea, Pisum sativum cv Alaska, cotyledons was studied. The rapid hydration caused by soaking seeds in water, the excision of the embryonic axis, and the suppression of the elongation of the embryonic axis by indoleacetic acid generate anaerobic conditions in these cotyledons that suppress diamine oxidase activity. These results show that oxygen is essential for the induction of diamine oxidase activity in pea cotyledons. During germination cotyledonary diamine oxidase develops as a result of the supply of oxygen through the embryonic axis of the intact pea seedling.