Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology Commons^™

Transition Metals In Legume Root Nodules: Iron-Dependent Free Radical Production Increases During Nodule Senescence, Manuel Becana, Robert V. Klucas

Department of Biochemistry: Faculty Publications

The cytosol from root nodules of soybean, bean, and cowpea contained Fe and Cu capable of catalyzing the formation of highly reactive free radicals. Specific and sensitive assays based on free radical-mediated DNA degradation revealed that most catalytic Fe and Cu were present as small chelates (300-600 Da). The involvement of catalytic Fe in free radical production during nodule senescence, which was induced by exposure of plants to continuous darkness for 2-4 days, was investigated. (i) Free heme remained at a constant and low concentration (1-4% of total nodule heme) during senescence, indicating that it is not an …