Influence of acetate and malonate on the production of 1,8-dihydroxyanthracene derivatives in suspension cultures ofRhamnus purshiana.

Acetate and malonate, basic precursors in the biosynthesis of polyketides, were added to suspension cultures ofRhammus purshiana DC. It was found that the production of anthra-derivatives (i.e. 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinones, anthrones and-or dianthrones) in these cultures was significantly stimulated by malonate, while addition of acetate had an inhibitory effect under similar conditions.