Activity of a Catalase Enzyme in Plants from the Burned Areas of the Vidlič Mountain Beech Forest

Abstract

In 2007, a catastrophic fire on the Vidlic Mountain in south-east Serbia occurred. It burned down nearly 1000 ha of forest. Study of biochemical and physiological parameters in plants which inhabit post fire areas and their comparison with control is of essential importance in estimating the impact of fire on plant characteristics and potential applications. After the fire pioneer and indigenous plants from habitats affected by fire have a characteristic metabolism. In this comparative study, the activity of enzyme catalase (ЕC 1.11.1.6, H2 O2 : H2 O2 oxidoreductase) was determined in plant species from a habitat affected by fire and the same plant species from the forest which had not been affected by fire as a control. Assessment of enzyme activity was carried out on the root, leaves and flowers of plant species Geranium macrorrhizum, Doronicum columnae, Aegopodium podagraria, Fagus moesiaca, Tussilago farfara, Glechoma hirsuta, Chelidonium majus and Primula veris. The first group of plant samples used for determination was obtained from the habitat that was affected by fire two years ago. Catalase activity was measured using the gasometric method and the values obtained for this activity were expressed as ml of O2 . The presented results show a significant increase in catalase activity in individuals from habitats affected by fire in relation to the control group. Increased catalase activity is a consequence of oxidative stress caused by chemical changes in soil that were generated by fire.