INCREASE OF HCN AND BETA-CYANOALANINE SYNTHASE ACTIVITY DURING AGING OF POTATO-TUBER SLICES

The evolution of HCN increased significantly during the ageing process of slices of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers in 24 h. Concomitan tly, the activity of beta-cyanoalanine synthase (CAS)(E.C. 4.4.1.9) wa s greatly enhanced in the same ageing period. Both the activity of CAS and the evolution of HCN were stimulated by 1-aminocyclopropane-1-car boxylic acid (ACC) and inhibited by salicylic acid (SA). It was also s hown that the production endogenous ethylene in aged slices exhibited a similar increase. Ethylene production was also affected by ACC and S A. A possible relationship between ethylene production, HCN evolution and the stimulation of CAS activity is discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Sc ience Ireland Ltd.