Polyamines Inhibit Biosynthesis of Ethylene in Higher Plant Tissue and Fruit Protoplasts

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Abstract
Ethylene production in apple fruit and protoplasts and in leaf tissue was inhibited by spermidine or spermine. These polyamines, as well as putrescine, inhibited auxin-induced ethylene production and the conversion of methionine and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid to ethylene. Polyamines were more effective as inhibitors of ethylene synthesis at the early, rather than at the late, stages of fruit ripening. Ca2+ in the incubation medium reduced the inhibitory effect caused by the amines. A possible mode of action by which polyamines inhibit ethylene production is discussed.