Molecular aspects during seed germination of Erythrina velutina Willd. under different temperatures (Part 2): isoenzyme activity and DNA integrity

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Erythrina velutina Willd. (Fabaceae) is a Brazilian native tree with economic, ecological and social potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate isoenzyme activity and changes in DNA integrity during germination of E. velutina at different temperatures. The seeds were placed to germinate at 5, 15, 25, 35 and 45 °C, evaluating isoenzyme activity and degradation of the DNA during germination. Isoenzyme expression occurs differently for seed germination under different temperatures, with varied expression between seedlings and cotyledons. The esterase enzyme was more sensitive to express the response of the E. velutina germination seeds at different temperatures. DNA repair is more efficient during the germination of E. velutina seeds when submitted to a temperature of up to 25 °C, with damage to the genetic apparatus with an increase higher than this temperature.