Induction of DNA synthesis and callus formation from tuber tissue of Jerusalem artichoke by 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

Cellus induction was observed from Jerusalem artichoke tubertissue on a synthetic medium containing 2,4-D at 10^–6,10^–5 (optimum conc.) and 10^–4 M. The first DNA synthesis(thymidine incorporation) was observed only at 2,4-D concentrationsof 10^–5 to 10^–4M. In 10^–5 M 2,4-D treatedtissue, DNA synthesis increased after a 20 hr lag and reacheda maximum at 36 hr, after which it decreased. Actinomycin Dand 8-aza-guanine; inhibitors of RNA synthesis, inhibited DNAsynthesis completely. 2,4-D caused the characteristic changesin RNA and protein syntheses. In comparison with the control,RNA and protein syntheses were first repressed then inducedbefore the peak of DNA synthesis. Treatment with cycloheximide(10^–4M) for one hour before inoculation inhibited proteinsynthesis completely for 12 hr; consequently DNA synthesis wasalso delayed. The results suggest that RNA and protein synthesesneeded for callus induction are regulated by 2,4-D in the firstDNA synthesis. (Received July 19, 1973; )