Role of an acid phosphatase isoenzyme in callus tissue during cytodifferentiation.

Both histological and isoenzyme patterns of acid phosphatase were observed in callus tissue of Vigna unquiculate (L.) Walp. up to the tenth passage from its initiation. It was observed that when un-differentiated cells begin to transform into a differentiated condition in the form of tracheids, and xylem vessels, a new acid phosphatase band appears at the anionic end of the polyacrylamide gel. The transformation of living cells into a dead, empty tracheid during cellular differentiation and the biosynthesis of the acid phosphatase enzyme are functionally related to the autolysis of the cell contents and lignin synthesis.