Tryptophan Decarboxylase Activity in Developing Cucumber Seedlings.

The rate of decarboxylation of DL-tryptophan-carboxyl-¹⁴C in homogenates of cotyledons, hypocotyls and roots of sterile and non-sterile cucumber seedlings of 4, 8 and 11 days was measured. Tryptophan decarboxylating activity is highest in hypocotyls, lowest in cotyledons. In all organs the activity decreases with age. This enzyme activity does not parallel the IAA level in the organs during ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]