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A survey of bryophytes for presence of cholinesterase activity¹

Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India

The neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) is present in plants including bryophytes. The first biochemical evidence for ACh hydrolysis by enzyme cholinesterase (ChE) in bryophytes is presented. Thirty-nine species belonging to 16 families of bryophytes were surveyed for ChE activity. Thirty species belonging to 13 families showed ChE activity. Of the bryophytes tested, Anoectangium bicolor showed the highest ChE activity. Widespread distribution of ChE in bryophytes indicates their suitability as a system to study the role of ACh in plants.

Key Words: acetylcholine • Anoectangium bicolor • bryophytes • cholinesterase • plants • Pottiaceae