Abstract
The development of the L-DOPA-content of roots, stems and leaves ofMucuna pruriens during growth of the plants is described. Besides L-DOPA, the leaves, but not the stems and the roots, also contain the related catechol dopamine. The time course of dopamine accumulation is compared to that of L-DOPA.
In cell suspension cultures ofM. pruriens dopamine can be detected as well. Its level is strongly increased by addition of the growth regulator 2,4-d to the medium, a condition that suppresses cell growth and L-DOPA-accumulation. Dopamine induction appears to be a specific metabolic effect of 2,4-d. Salt stress, as caused by the addition of NaCl, gives no induction of dopamine formation, whereas L-DOPA is released into the medium.
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Abbreviations
- 2,4-d :
-
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid
- DW:
-
dry weight
- HPLC:
-
high performance liquid chromatography
- L-DOPA:
-
(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-L-alanine
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Wichers, H.J., Visser, J.F., Huizing, H.J. et al. Occurrence of L-DOPA and dopamine in plants and cell cultures ofMucuna pruriens and effects of 2,4-d and NaCl on these compounds. Plant Cell Tiss Organ Cult 33, 259–264 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02319010
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02319010