Extracts of capsules ofNicotiana tabacumcv. Burley 21 and nodal tumors and capsules of a genetically tumor-prone amphiploidN. suaveolenstimes;N. langsdorffiihad a similar composition of phenolic compounds. Dihydroxyphenols, predominantly chlorogenic acid, accumulated to 4 and 13 of the dry weight in the young and old tumors, respectively.In situsynthesis of chlorogenic acid in tumor tissues was demonstrated by incorporation ofL-phenylalanine-U-14C. Quantities of polyphenols also increased as floral tissue developed from fertilized flower to capsule. The immature capsule and tumor tissues contained more polyphenoloxidase but less peroxidase than the leaf. Peroxidase zymograms, soluble proteins, and alkaloids in tumor extracts resembled those in capsule extracts. It is suggested that these biochemical similarities may reflect a common mode for the regulation of cell proliferation in tobacco capsules and nodal tumors.
展开▼