Metabolism of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid (2,4-D) in Soybean Root Callus

Abstract

An auxin-requiring soybean root callus metabolized [1-14C]-2,4-D to diethylether-soluble amino acid conjugates and water-soluble megabolites. The uptake in tissue varied with incubation time, concentration, and amount of tissue. Uptake was essentially complete (80%) after a 24 h incubation and the percentage of free 2,4-D in the tissue fell to its lowest point at this time. At later times, the percentage of free 2,4-D increased and the percentage of amino acid conjugates decreased, whereas the percentage of water-soluble metabolites increased only slightly. Similar trends were seen if the tissue was incubated for 24 h in radioactive 2,4-D, followed by incubation in media without 2,4-D for 24 hours. Inclusion of nonlabeled 2,4-D during the 24 h chase period did not reduce amino acid conjugate disappearance but did reduce the percentage of free [1-14C]2,4-D. Thus, an external supply of 2,4-D does not directly prevent amino acid conjugate metabolism in this tissue. It is concluded that 2,4-D amino acid conjugates were actively metabolized by this tissue to free 2,4-D and water-soluble metabolites.