Lysopine and Octopine Promote Crown-Gall Tumor Growth in vivo.

Growth of tumors induced on primary leaves of bean plants by Agrobacterium tumefaciens was increased by the addition of lysopine and octopine. A detectable response was observed when as little as 1 microgram of these compounds was added per leaf, and the mean volume of the tumors was increased two- to threefold when greater amounts were applied. The specificity of the response and the unique association of these compounds with the tumors suggest that endogenous lysopine and octopine contribute to the growth characteristics of these tumors.