title: Occurrence of anthocyanoplasts in cell suspension cultures of sweet potato.
abstract: Intensely pigmented and spherical vesicles (anthocyanoplasts) were found in anthocyanin-containing cells of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) suspension cultures. Anthocyanin synthesis began to first occur 24-48 h after exposure to light, and then numerous small red vesicles were detected under a microscope. The frequency of anthocyanoplast-containing cells rapidly increased to finally about 80% of the total cultured cells after 5 days of irradiation. Fully developed anthocyanoplasts reached 10-15 μm in diameter. On the other hand, neither anthocyanin synthesis nor development of anthocyanoplasts was induced in the dark-cultured cells. 2,4-D also inhibited anthocyanin synthesis and development of these vesicles. The results suggest that anthocyanoplasts might be a site of anthocyanin synthesis and/or accumulation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shinshu University, 390, Matsumoto, Japan.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nozue
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yasuda