Effects of Drought on the Activity of Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase in the Leaves and Roots of Maize Inbreds

In a basic investigation, the antioxidative responses of two maize inbreds, A-180 and A-619 were studied. The results revealed that during drought period the total antioxidant capacity is quickly increased in leaf and root tissues of both plants, while it is slowly reverted back to the normal level during recovery. The activity of Pheylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of isoperonoid antioxidative compounds, was found to be sharply increased in the leaves of plants during stress period, while it is remained constant in the roots of both plants. The overall results suggested that isoperonoid compounds may be more responsible antioxidants in drought-challenged antioxidative system of maize.