Somatic embryogenesis and indole alkaloid production in Catharanthus roseus

A new protocol to obtain an embryogenic cell line from cultured seedling ex plants of Catharanthus roseus is described. In order to assess the relation ship between tissue differentiation and secondary metabolite biosynthesis, the biosynthetic capabilities (alkaloid production) of an embryogenic cell line and two non-embryogenic C. roseus strains a ere comparatively examined . Faster cell growth rate was associated with higher alkaloid production in the embryogenic cell line. The kinetics of ajmalicine and serpentine produ ction by the three cell lines is also reported.