Einfluß von D,L-Ethionin auf Zellkulturen von Ruta graveolens L

D,L-Ethionine was added in varying concentrations (0.1–1 mM) to two cell suspension cultures of Ruta graveolens. Growth, alkaloid formation and activities of some shikimate pathway-specific enzymes in these cultures were estimated. Also the effect of ethionine on shikimate pathwayspecific enzymes under in vitro conditions was followed. Growth is only slightly inhibited in supplemented cultures. Alkaloid formation is drastically reduced in a low-producing and to a lesser extent in the high producing cell line by ethionine. Activities of DAHP synthase, chorismate mutase, and anthranilate synthase in the presence of ethionine are in different Ruta strains to a varying degree affected.