Effect of exogenous abscisic acid on accumulation of raffinose family oligosaccharides and galactosyl cyclitols in tiny vetch seeds (Vicia hirsuta [L.] S.F. Gray)

Lesław B Lahuta,Ewa Gojło,Marcin Horbowicz,Ryszard J Górecki

doi:10.5586/asbp.2004.035

Lesław B Lahuta, Ewa Gojło + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.5586/asbp.2004.035

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Abstract

The role of the abscisic acid (ABA) in biosynthesis of raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) and galactosyl cyclitols (Gal-C) in tiny vetch (Vicia hirsuta [L.] S.F. Gray) seeds was investigated. The ABA was applied through incubation of seed at various stage of its development. The level of RFOs and Gal-C was determined in seed maturing on plant and in seed maturing in vitro. In early stages of V. hirsuta seed development, the ABA activated the biosynthesis of galactinol, although the level of arisen galactinol quickly declined. In the later stages of V. hirsuta seed development ABA had stimulatory effect of RFOs and Gal-C biosynthesis. Influence of ABA on biosynthesis of a-galactosides in Vicia hirsuta seed seems to be dependent on abscisic acid concentration. Low concentration of ABA had stimulatory effect on a-galactosides biosynthesis, but high concentration of ABA inhibited the process.

Highlights

Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) and =-galactosides of cyclitols are widespread in legume seeds (Horbowicz and Obendorf 1994)
Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) and cyclitol galactosides accumulated during seed development are thought to play a role in the desiccation tolerance of seeds
At the same time when raffinose appeared the first member of D-pinitol galactosides group galactopinitol A (GPA) was found

Summary

Introduction

Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) and =-galactosides of cyclitols are widespread in legume seeds (Horbowicz and Obendorf 1994) Both types of carbohydrates have been implicated in the protection of seeds against damage during seed dehydration and aging, seed survival and storability (Obendorf 1997). They may protect membranes, proteins, and nucleic acids against the damage that occurs during and upon the withdrawal of water in the drying seeds. This protective role has been explained mainly by their capacity to retain the integrity of membranes through their interaction with the phospholipids, by replacing water during dehydration (Bentsink et al 2000; Hincha et al 2003). RFOs have been extensively characterized as principle agents in carbon translocation in plants but have been observed to accumulate under cold, drought or salinity stress, implying a role for RFOs in stress adaptation

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