Acid phosphatase activity in maize (Zea mays La) seedlings treated with sodium humate

Sodium humate increased the acid phosphatase activity of fraction II of imbibing maize caryopses and suppressed the enzyme activity in fraction I. Removal of the testa changed the stimulating action of humate on the acid phosphatase activity of fraction II into an inhibiting one and intensified its unfavourable effect on this enzyme's activity in fraction l. Sodium humate inhibited the acid phosphatase activity of this fraction from both leaves and roots. The results obtained are in agreement with the theory of free radicals of humus substances being involved in action on biuecmbranes