The Relationship between Growth Rate, Differentiation and Alkaloid Accumulation in Cell Cultures

Abstract

The relationship between alkaloid content, growth rate and differentiation was investigated in seven solanaceous species in culture. Evidence was obtained for an inverse correlation between the growth phase on the one hand and alkaloid content and cell organization (aggregation) on the other. Linear phase and stationary phase cells of Datura innoxia Mill, incorporated DL-(1₋₁₄C)ornithine-HCl differentially into protein and alkaloids with proportionately more label found in alkaloids in the stationary phase cells. On transferring callus of D. innoxia from high auxin medium (containing 10−6 M 2, 4−D) to low auxin medium (containing 10−6 M, 2, 4−D), the alkaloid content dropped concomitant with a decrease in chlorophyll content and an increase in growth rate and friability. The nature of the interrelationships between growth, differentiation and accumulation are considered.