Distribution and Variation of the Catalytic Activity of the Enzyme Responsible for Carthamin Synthesis in Safflower Seedlings

Abstract Catalytic activityof the enzyme which mediates the synthesis of carthamin was examined in the etiolated hypocotyl tissues of Carthamus tinctorius L. The enzyme was optimally active at pH 5.2 in citrate buffer. The activity of the enzyme was highest in the extract from 2-day-old seedlings after sowing and it declined sharply with tissue ageing. The enzyme activity was localized in the apical region of the seedlings and moreover it was preferentially associated with the cytosol fraction.