GRADIENT OF ANTHOCYANIN IN CELL AGGREGATES OF DAUCUS-CAROTA IN SUSPENSION-CULTURES

The size distribution of cell aggregates, and the effect of cell aggre gate size on anthocyanin content of Daucus carota cells in suspension cultures, was studied. The profile of biomass distribution in various size groups of cell aggregates indicated that over 92% of biomass was present in the aggregates of 500-1500 mu m in diameter. The anthocyani n content increased initially with the increase in cell aggregate diam eter up to 500-850 mu m, and decreased rapidly with the increase in th e cell aggregate size above this critical diameter. On the other hand, the surface colour intensity showed a steady increase with the increa se in cell aggregate size, indicating a steep radial gradient of antho cyanin content along the radius of the larger cell aggregates.