Glutathione conjugation. An enzymatic basis for atrazine resistance in corn.

The primary factor for atrazine selectivity in corn (Zea mays) is the activity of a soluble enzyme, glutathione S-transferase, which detoxifies atrazine by catalyzing the formation of an atrazine-glutathione conjugate (GS-atrazine). The nonenzymatic, benzoxazinone-catalyzed hydrolysis of atrazine to hydroxyatrazine contributed to the total resistance of corn to atrazine, but the nonenzymatic detoxication pathway does not seem to be essential for resistance. All corn lines investigated, except for susceptible GT112, rapidly detoxified atrazine by glutathione conjugation. Only GT112 had low glutathione S-transferase activity. Hydroxyatrazine was found in significant quantities only when atrazine was introduced initially into the roots. The amount of hydroxyatrazine formed was nearly equal for susceptible GT112 and most of the resistant corn lines investigated. This investigation indicates that some plants protect themselves against toxic organic halide compounds with a mechanism similar to that known to exist in animals.