Biosynthesis of novel phytochemicals in tobacco plant infected with tobacco mosaic tobamovirus (TMV)

Abstract

The main purpose of this work was to study the effect of TMV infection on physiology of active gradient photochemicals and protein expression in infected tobacco plants. Impact of Tobacco mosaic tobamovirus (TMV) on active gradient photochemicals quantitative and qualitative was evaluated in Nicotiana tobaccum cv. white burly. First, the TMV samples were isolated from single local lesions of infected leaves of N. glutinosa. Then, the N. tobaccum cv. white burly plants were inoculated with TMV. The infected plants showed severe systemic mosaic symptoms and reduction of leave size. We used Datura metel as a diagnostic tool-plant (indicator) for mosaic virus because of its vast exhibitory ability to show the symptoms incited by viruses. It was confirmed that these symptoms were due to the effect of TMV virus, comparing with Datura plant (as control). Analysis of TMV infected leaves by GC-mass detected biosynthesis of novel photochemicals (2-cyclopenten-1-one, Furfural, Indene, Pyrrole, Benzonitrile, Guaiacol and Oxime, methoxy-phenyl) that could not be detected in healthy plants. Furthermore, a 56.17% decreased in nicotine content was observed in infected plants compared with healthy ones. Also, increase of soluble protein contents was observed in infected leaves in response to TMV infection, compared with healthy ones. Alterations in protein patterns were observed in N. tabaccum leaves in response to TMV infection using SDS PAGE. Several secondary bioactive compounds were also found to hold important functions in infected plants. For example, flavonoids could protect against free radicals generated during photosynthesis. Terpenoids may attract pollinators or seed dispersers, or inhibit competing plants. Alkaloids usually ward-off herbivore animals or insect attacks (phytoalexins).