Differentiation of Alkaloid Cells in Cultures of Macleaya Mesophyll Protoplasts

Abstract

In developing cell clusters derived from mesophyll protoplasts of Macleaya cordata (WILLD.) R. BR. and M. microcarpa (MAXIM.) FEDDE (Papaveraceae) cytodifferentiation is observed in the form of alkaloid cells and tracheary elements. The differentiation of alkaloid cells can already occur at the early stage of small clusters. Moreover cell colonies have been observed consisting predominantly to completely of alkaloid cells. Occasionally the direct differentiation of alkaloid cells is noticed, characterized by the coloured contents of the vacuoles after cell wall regeneration, but without preceding cell division.

Key Word Index

Macleya cordata - Papaveraceae - Protoplast Culture - Cytodifferentiation - Alkaloid Cells