SYNTHESIS AND ACCUMULATION OF POLYAMINES AND S-ADENOSYLMETHIONINE IN CHINESE CABBAGE INFECTED BY TURNIP YELLOW MOSAIC-VIRUS

Infection of Chinese cabbage with turnip yellow mosaic virus caused a significant increase in the levels of S-adenosylmethionine and the polyamines, spermidine, spermine and putrescine in the leaves. A significant portion of the spermidine and spermine in the juice of infected plants is precipitated by anti-serum to the virus. The rate of incorporation of radioactivity from [214C]methionine into spermidine, spermine, S-adenosylmethionine and protein appeared to be very similar in leaf discs derived from both healthy and infected leaves, suggesting that enzymes for biosynthesis of spermidine and spermine from methionine are not elevated in the infected leaves. © 1979 Academic Press, Inc. All rights of reproduction in any form reserved.