Ethylene-like activity of isocyanides

• Published in: Plant physiology (Bethesda) 1989-10, Vol.91 (2), p.669-673
• Main Authors: Quinn, Jeanette M., Yang, Shang Fa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: adhesif; adhesives; adhesivos; bioassay; Biological and medical sciences; cianuros; Cyanides; cyanure; Development and Growth Regulation; ensayo biologico; essai biologique; estimulantes del crecimiento; ethylene; etileno; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; graine; growth rate; Growth regulators; indice de crecimiento; Isocoumarins; Isocyanates; Isothiocyanates; Metabolism; Peas; pesticide; pesticides; pisum sativum; plaguicidas; plant growth substances; Plant physiology and development; Plants; Receptors; respiracion; Respiration; Seedlings; seeds; semilla; substance de croissance vegetale; taux de croissance; thiocyanate; thiocyanates; tiocianatos; Tubers
• ISSN: 0032-0889; 1532-2548
• DOI: 10.1104/pp.91.2.669

Benzyl isocyanide, cyclohexyl isocyanide, benzyl isocyanate, methyl isocyanate, benzyl isothiocyanate, and methyl isothiocyanate were each tested for ethylene-like activity in a pea (Pisum sativum) growth assay. Only the isocyanides gave an ethylene-like response; the concentration that gave a half-maximal response was approximately 10 to 15 microliters per liter for each isocyanide, and this activity was inhibited by norbornadiene, a competitive inhibitor of ethylene action. Since the isocyanides did not promote endogenous ethylene production, it was concluded that the isocyanides acted directly to give an ethylene-like response. The isocyanides were further shown to elicit ethylene-like activity in a potato (Solanum tuberosum) tuber respiration assay, in a carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) senescence assay and in a carrot (Daucus carota L.) isocoumarin formation assay. The feasibility of employing azido derivatives of benzyl isocyanide to photoaffinity label ethylene receptors in vivo is discussed.