Lipoxygenase in Phaseolus Vulgaris Development

Lipoxygenase (linoleate:oxygen oxidoreductase EC 1.13.11.12) is a dioxygenase catalysing the hydroperoxidation of fatty acids containing a cis,cis-1,4-pentadiene structure, e.g. linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic acids. At the biochemical level three different forms (LOX-1, -2 and -3) of the enzyme from soybean were distinguished by pH optimum, substrate specificity, product formation and enzyme stability (Axelrod et al. 1981, “Lipoxygenase from Soybeans”, Methods in Enzymology 71, 441–451). Roles for lipoxygenase in plant growth and development, senescence, wound responses and resistance against pathogens and pests have all been proposed.