ELICITOR-MEDIATED INDUCTION OF ENZYMES OF LIGNIN BIOSYNTHESIS AND FORMATION OF LIGNIN-LIKE MATERIAL IN A CELL-SUSPENSION CULTURE OF SPRUCE (PICEA-ABIES)

Incubations of photomixotrophic suspension culture cells of spruce (Pi cea abies) (L.) (Karst) with an autoclaved cell wall preparation of Rh izosphaera kalkhoffi as elicitor led to a rapid increase of the activi ty of a number of enzymes involved in lignin biosynthesis. L-phenylala nine ammonia-lyase (EC 4.3.1.5) was induced about 10-fold. feruloyl-Co enzyme A reductase (EC 1.2.1.44) 4-fold, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenas e (NADP+) (EC 1.1.1.195) 2-fold and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) about 1.5 -fold. The induction of the enzymes, with the exception of the peroxid ase, was transient, showing maximal activity within 3 days after elici tation. Extracellular peroxidase activity, determined in the culture m edium, rapidly decreased on initiation of elicitation. Concomitant wit h the increase of activity of the enzymes of lignin synthesis was a ra pid clouding of the culture medium. Phloroglucinol-HCl staining reveal ed the presence of lignin-like material in the medium and also in the cells. The IR-spectrum of this material was identical with the IR-spec trum of authentic spruce lignin.