EVIDENCE OF A LATENT OXIDATIVE BURST IN RELATION TO WOUND REPAIR IN THE GIANT UNICELLULAR CHLOROPHYTE <i>DASYCLADUS VERMICULARIS</i>¹

Abstract

We investigated the kinetics and composition of the second phase of the wound repair process of Dasycladus vermicularis ([Scropoli] Krasser) using fluorescent probes, chromatography, UV spectroscopy, and histochemistry. Our new evidence supports the hypothesis that the second phase of wound repair (initiated at approximately 35–45 min postinjury) is based on the activation of an oxidative burst that produces micromolar H 2 O 2 levels. These results provide evidence of peroxidase activity at the wound site, real‐time measurements of an oxidative burst, and catechol localization in wound plugs. Strong evidence is presented indicating that the biochemical machinery exists for oxidative cross‐linking to ensue in the wound‐healing process of D. vermicularis .