Polyamines (PAs) and the cell wall have important roles in
plant morphogenesis. An interaction between cell wall
components (pectic substances) and polyamines is known and inhibition of
polyamine biosynthesis induces
inhibition of some morphogenic processes. This is the case of
rhizogenesis in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) thin
layers. This paper investigates whether inhibition of polyamine
biosynthesis induces modifications in the
structure, shape and size of the primary cell walls in tobacco thin
layers cultured on a rhizogenic medium, and
whether polyamines (putrescine and spermidine) administered in
combination with their corresponding inhibitors
DL-α-difluoromethylornithine
+DL-α-difluoromethylarginine (DFMO+DFMA), cyclohexylamine
(CHA), methylglyoxal-bis(guanylhydrazone) (MGBG) restore cell wall
characteristics. In treatments with polyamine
inhibitors, cell hypertrophy occurred in the lowermost layer of the
explant in contact with the medium. Many
unusual features were observed in the walls of the hypertrophic cells:
an amorphous structure, loosening of the
fibrillar component; detachment between contiguous cells, lysis of
wall components and an uneven thickness often
giving a wavy appearance (in transverse walls). The inhibitors reduced
cell wall thickness, and caused a weak
positive PATAg reaction for polysaccharides. Polyamines restored cell
wall thickness and, in general, the other
wall features. Our results show that polyamines are necessary for
maintaining cell wall characteristics by
strengthening the links between cell-wall components.