Changes in activities of superoxide dismutases during aging of petals of cut carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Between the end of blooming and the withering of petals of cut carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus L. cv. Ember), the total superoxide dismutase activity decreased. The three forms of superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn‐SOD, Fe‐SOD and Mn‐SOD. EC1. 15. 1. 1) identified on polyacrylamide gel exhibited several isozymes, the activities of which decreased sooner or later during aging. The important activity of the Mn‐SOD decreased at the beginning of withering to become undetectable, while the weak activity of Fe‐SODs declined only at the end of withering. It is suggested that the localization of SODs in the cell may explain these differences. Hypothesis are proposed to understand the decreased activity of SODs during aging.