Distribution of iron-containing superoxide dismutase in vascular plants

Superoxide dismutases (EC 1.15.1.1) in vascular plants representing different evolutionary levels were characterized using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The three forms of the enzyme were distinguished from each other based on the following criteria: a) the Cu-Zn enzyme is sensitive to cyanide wherease the Fe and Mn enzymes are not; and b) the Cu-Zn and Fe enzymes are inhibited by H2O2 whereas the Mn enzyme is H2O2-resistant. Of the 43 plant families investigated, the Fe-containing superoxide dismutase was found in three families: Gingkoaceae, Nymphaceae, and Cruciferae.