Desiccation-induced Changes in Antioxidant Enzymes, Fatty Acids, and Amino Acids in the Cyanobacterium Tolypothrix scytonemoides

Tolypothrix scytonemoides subjected to desiccation exhibited increased antioxidant enzyme activities when compared to fresh cells. The activities of catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) and superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) were enhanced in desiccated cells by 42.8% and 8.1%, respectively. The isoforms of catalase and superoxide dismutase were detected by activity staining of crude samples separated on native gels. The isoforms of superoxide dismutase were identified based on their sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide and cyanide. The changes in fatty acids and amino acids in fresh and desiccated cells were also investigated and it was found that the quantity of certain fatty acids and amino acids was greater in desiccated cells. Palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, heptadecanoic acid, linoleic acid, and myristic acid were more in desiccated cells when compared to fresh cells. Desiccated cells synthesized myristoleic acid, eicosenoic acid and behenic acid, acids which were not synthesized by the fresh cells, whereas tricosanoic acid was synthesized by the fresh cells and not by desiccated cells. The levels of lysine, serine, glycine, proline and cysteine were also comparatively greater in the desiccated cells.