Secondary metabolism in root and callus cultures of Hyoscyamus muticus L.:: the relationship between morphological organisation and response to methyl jasmonate

Production of acid-soluble conjugated di- and polyamines, like that of other secondary metabolites, is enhanced by exposure to methyl jasmonate (NIJ). We investigated this metabolic response, and activities of enzymes involved in putrescine (Put) and tropane alkaloid biosynthesis, in root cultures of Hyoscyanius muticus and compared it with that of callus cultures. In root cultures, free Put and N-methylputrescine (mPut) increased upon treatment with NIJ, whereas in callus cultures mPut levels were not affected. Differently from roots, conjugated amines were scarce or absent in callus cultures, and accumulated only transiently upon treatment with NIJ. Arginine decarboxylase, ornithine decarboxylase and diamine oxidase activities in root cultures were strongly stimulated by treatment with MJ, but were inhibited in callus cultures. Exposure to MJ also enhanced putrescine N-methyltransferase activity in root cultures more than in callus cultures. These results are discussed in relation to the different capacity for tropane alkaloid production in the two culture systems. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.