Alterations in the last step of the ethylene-biosynthesis pathway provoked by short-chain saturated fatty acids in Cicer arietinum seeds

Abstract

Summary The activity of ACC-oxidase (ACCO) and the production of ethylene were evaluated in embryonic axes of chick-pea ( Cicer arietinum ) seeds incubated during 24 h in the presence of short-chain saturated fatty acids (SCSFA, C 5 –C 10 ), some of which are known inhibitors of germination. Ethylene synthesis was stimulated by SCSFA C 7 and C 8 (10μmol/L and 100μmol/L). High concentrations of SCSFA (1 mmol/L) were inhibitory for ethylene synthesis and for the in vivo ACCO activity; however, the in vitro ACCO activity was stimulated.