Glucosinolate degradation products, alkanes and fatty acids from plants and cell cultures of Descurainia sophia.

Allyl and 3-butenyl isothiocyanate with two nitriles and an epithiobutane derivative were estimated. These glucosinolate degradation products were found in callus, seed, and dried plant but not in suspension cultures. Seventeen alkanes and five fatty acids were also identified and estimated in plant material and cultures. 4-Methylthiobutyl and 2-phenylethyl isothiocyanates were also detected in seeds. Incubation of cultures at 4° increased levels of the fatty acids but not isothiocyanates.