Ultrastructural localization of succinate dehydrogenase in a self-parasitic isolate of Saprolegnia megasperma

Abstract

The enzyme succinate dehydrogenase (SDH, succinate: (acceptor) oxidoreductase, EC 1.3.99.1) was localized by the combined techniques of cytochemistry and electron microscopy in the hyphae of a self-parasitizing isolate of Saprolegnia megasperma Coker. The enzyme was localized in the mitochondrial membranes; its activity was inhibited by malonate. Electron-dense deposits, whose formation was not prevented by the addition of malonate, appeared outside of the hyphal cell walls. No evidence was found at the ultrastructural level within the vegetative hyphae for any abnormalities which could be linked to the phenomenon of self-parasitism.