Enzymes for Acetaldehyde and Ethanol Formation in Legume Nodules

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max L. var. Wilkin) nodules contain acetaldehyde and ethanol. The cytosol of soybean and other legume nodules contains pyruvic decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.1) and alcohol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.1). Some of the properties of these enzymes from soybean nodules are described. Their presence indicates that in the microaerobic nodule cytosol some carbohydrate is metabolized by fermentative pathways like those in the roots of flood-tolerant plants.