The ability to synthesize polyisoprene was studied for lines of
Ficus elastica photoheterotrophic callus culture which results from the selection and prolonged cultivation of the culture in light in a
medium containing 1% sucrose, 0.5 and 0.05 mg/l BAP or in the absence of the hormone. The results of microscopy study show
that
F. elastica lines are able to synthesize polyisoprene typical of intact plants. The substantial accumulation of polyisoprene was observed
for the culture grown in the BAP-free media. Moreover, for some lines considered, tracheid structures were shown to be present
in tissues. The formation of tracheid structures correlated directly with polyisoprene synthesis. We conclude that varying
BAP content in the cultivation medium and selection allow the preparation of a culture exhibiting a certain functional specificity.
Under optimal cultivation conditions, the culture develops toward the intensification of polyisoprene synthesis.
Original Russian Text © I.B. Kol’chugina, E.N. Markarova, 2009, published in Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Biologiya,
2009, No. 1, pp. 31–35.
To prepare Javel water 20 g of sodium hypochloride was dissolved in 100 ml of distilled water and decanted; 15 g of potassium
or sodium carbonate was dissolved in 10 ml of distilled water. The two solutions were mixed together and left for four days
in a dark place. The mixture was filtrated through a double layer of linen using Buchner funnel and then, through a filter
glass number three.