Journal of Applied Genetics 43(4), 2002, pp. 451-462

Biochemical differences in Cannabis sativa L. depending on sexual phenotype

Elena TRUTA, Elvira GILLE, Ecaterina TOTH, Marilena MANIU

Abstract: Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a species considered as having one of the most complicated mechanisms of sex determination. Peroxidase and esterase isoenzymes in leaves of the two sexual phenotypes of hemp were studied. Significant differences in isoperoxidase and isoesterase patterns were found between male and female plants, both in the number and stain intensity of bands. For both esterase and peroxidase, the isoenzymatic spectrum is richer for staminate plants. Also, some differences are obvious between the two sexes concerning catalase and peroxidase activities, as well as the level of soluble protein. The quantitative analysis of flavones, polyholozides and polyphenols emphasized differences depending not only on sex, but also on tested organ.

Key words: electrofocusing, hemp, isoenzymatic pattern, secondary metabolites, sexual phenotype.

Correspondence: E. TRUTA, Department of Genetics, Biological Research Institute Bd. Carol I 20 A, 6600 IaOi, Romania, e-mail: elentru@email.ro