Acclimation to frost alters proteolytic response of wheat seedlings to drought.

A comparative examination of cysteine proteinases in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings differing in sensitivity to frost and drought revealed many similarities and differences in response to water deprivation. Azocaseinolytic activity was enhanced under water deficiency, but the enhancement was significantly lower in the tolerant genotype (Kobra cultivar).

Multifunctional role of plant cysteine proteinases.

Cysteine proteinases also referred to as thiol proteases play an essential role in plant growth and development but also in senescence and programmed cell death, in accumulation of storage proteins such as in seeds, but also in storage protein mobilization. Thus, they participate in both anabolic and catabolic processes. In addition, they are involved in signalling pathways and in the response to biotic and abiotic stresses.