Changes in Endogenous Amino Acid Compositions during Somatic Embryogenesis in Daucus carota L.

Changes in amino acid compositions of carrot cells culturedin three different media were examined in relation to somaticembryogenesis. The total amount of amino acids in the 80% ethanol-insolublefractions increased rapidly during cell proliferation and globularembryo formation. The individual proportions of the amino acidsin these fractions remained fairly constant irrespective ofthe development of the somatic embryos. The total amount ofamino acids in the 80% ethanol-soluble fractions varied dependingon the medium used. Continuously applied -alanine did not accumulated in the cells,which suggests that it was transformed to other amino acidsduring culture. A large amount of aminobutyric acid was detectedthroughout the culture period. Glutamic acid and glutamine accumulatedin the carrot cells during embryo formation and maturation.Changes in the compositions and amounts of the endogenous aminoacids present during embryo formation are discussed. (Received April 28, 1983; Accepted October 5, 1983)