Observations on the de novo synthesis of fructosans in vivo

Abstract

Expiants of mature dormant tubers of Helianthus tuberosus were grown in the absence of carbon source with different auxins. After transfer to a glucose medium, the explants were able to initiate a de novo synthesis of fructosans. This synthesis was affected by auxins, kinetin, and gibberellic acid. Dinitrophenol (1 × 10 −4 m) produced an inhibition of synthesis of between 65 and 80% when added to the medium 12 hours after the carbohydrate. When protein synthesis was inhibited by chloramphenicol the synthesis of fructosans was also blocked.