Leaf microbodies (peroxisomes) and catalase localization in plants differing in their photosynthetic carbon pathways.

The tropical grasses sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) and pangolagrass (Digitaria decumbens) contained fewer leaf microbodies than temperate orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata). Leaf microbodies were seen in both the mesophyll and bundle sheath cells of tropical grasses. The fibrous elements in the microbodies of tropical grasses differed from those of the temperate grass. Catalase was predominantly localized in the microbodies of leaf cells (3,3'-diaminobenzidine method). The site of greatest catalase activity appeared to be the fibrous and/or crystalline inclusions within the microbodies. The low rates of photorespiration noted in tropical grasses do not appear to be due to the complete absence of the necessary organelles.