INVOLVEMENT OF THE ACCUMULATION OF SUCROSE AND THE SYNTHESIS OF CELL-WALL POLYSACCHARIDES IN THE EXPANSION OF POTATO CELLS IN RESPONSE TO JASMONIC ACID

Jasmonic acid (JA) is capable of inducing the expansion of cells in potato tubers. Changes in the levels of soluble sugars and starch, as well as changes in the levels of cell wall polysaccharides, during the JA-induced expansion of cells were studied. JA caused a considerable increase in the level of sucrose in the cells, while it did not affect levels of glucose and fructose. JA also increased the levels of cell wail polysaccharides. An inhibitor of cellulose synthesis, 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile (DCB), almost completely inhibited the JA-induced expansion of cells. The results suggest that the cellulose synthesis is necessary for the JA-induced expansion of cells. Cytoskeletal inhibitors also strongly inhibited the JA-induced expansion of cells, suggesting the involvement of cytoskeletal structures, namely, microtubules and microfilaments, in the JA-induced expansion of cells.