Photoautotrophic Growth and Photosynthesis in Cell Suspension Cultures of Chenopodium rubrum

TLDR: Photoautotrophic growth in C. rubrum cell suspension cultures was correlated with the CO2 level and was enhanced by lowering the auxin concentration, and best growth was attained at 10−8M 2,4-D.

Abstract: A method is described for growing cell suspension cultures of Chenopodium rubrum photoautotrophically for prolonged periods of time. By using a two-tier culture vessel the growth medium with the cells was separated from the CO2 reservoir. Definite CO2 concentrations were established by a K2CO3/KHCO3 buffer. Photoautotrophic growth in C. rubrum cell suspension cultures was correlated with the CO2 level. At 0.5% CO2 the cell cultures contained 68 μg chlorophyll/g fresh weight and showed an increase in fresh weight of about 80% in 18 days. At 1% CO2 an increase in fresh weight of 165% in 18 days was observed. The chlorophyll content rose up to 84 μg/g fresh weight. The photoautotrophic growth was also greatly influenced by the 2,4-D content of the medium. Cell growth was enhanced by lowering the auxin concentration. Best growth was attained (210% increase in fresh weight) at 10−8M 2,4-D. The photosynthetic activity of the cells was measured by the light dependent 14CO2 incorporation. At 0.5% CO2 the cell suspensions assimilated about 100 μmol CO2/mg chlorophyll × h. In the presence of 1% CO2 the light driven assimilation was raised up to 185 μmol CO2/mg chlorophyll × h. In both cases, the dark incorporation of CO2 was merely 1.8% of the values obtained in light.