Auxin Conjugation by Tobacco Mesophyll Protoplasts : Correlations between Auxin Cytotoxicity under Low Density Growth Conditions and Induction of Conjugation Processes at High Density.

Auxin induction of the proliferation of Nicotiana tabacum (cv Xanthi) mesophyll protoplasts and of protoplast-derived cells was studied. The growth-promoting properties and cytotoxicities at high concentrations of IAA and naphthaleneacetic acid were strongly affected by cell density. The induction of growth by 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and picloram was not affected by cell density. The comparison of catabolism of these [(14)C]-labeled auxins by protoplasts showed that IAA and naphthalene-acetic acid were rapidly accumulated and conjugated unlike 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and picloram. The major catabolite derived from naphthaleneacetic acid was identified as naphthaleneacetyl-l-aspartate. The biosynthesis of this conjugate in protoplasts was inducible by naphthaleneacetic acid concentrations found to be cytotoxic under low density growth conditions. However, although it was taken up by cells, the conjugate was not cytotoxic at concentrations as high as 0.2 mm under low density growth conditions. The relationship between conjugation processes and auxin cytotoxicity is discussed.