POLYSACCHARIDES OF CELL-WALL OF WHEAT ROOTS UNDER EXTREME GROWTH-CONDITIONS

Incorporation of radioactivity from (CO2)-C-14 into various fractions and polysaccharides of the cell wall of wheat germ roots was analyzed after 40-min photosynthesis and subsequent 24-h growth. Radioactivity of cell wall polysaccharides was decreased by 50-70% during 10-day ada ptation of isolated roots under extreme growth conditions. Pectines an d alkali-soluble hemicelluloses of the cell wall can be used as reserv ed sources of endogenous nutrition of root cells during chronic starva tion. Insignificant decrease in radioactivity of structural polysaccha rides after 14-day incubation of isolated roots can be an indicator of cellular degradation (according to membrane potential).