title: [Change in biochemical composition of amaranth leaves as a result of selection for increased level of amaranthine pigment].
abstract: The composition and content of secondary compounds produced by the shikimate pathway and the contents of protein and cellulose were determined in leaves of amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) K-99 and the cultivar Valentina raised from it by family selection and enriched in the pigment amaranthine. It was found that intense biosynthesis of amaranthine, tyrosine, and phenylalanine resulted in a decrease in the contents of lignin, protein, and cellulose in leaves of Valentina by comparison with K-99 and in changed the morphological traits: color deepening and a decrease in leaf density. It is concluded that amaranth biosynthesis is related to nitrogen metabolism and amaranthine is an intermediate involved in conversion of nitrogen compounds in the cell.
authors.affiliation: All-Russia Research Institute of Breeding and Seed Production of Vegetable Crops, Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Odintsovo, Moscow Oblast, 143080 Russia.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Gins
authors.forename: V K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Gins
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Kononkov
mesh_terms: D027721:Amaranthus / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D050859:Betacyanins; D037121:Plant Lectins / Q000378:metabolism*; D012641:Selection, Genetic
chemical_list: D050859:Betacyanins; D037121:Plant Lectins; C494261:amaranthin betacyanin