Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fractions, Respiration, and Structure of Normal and Crown Gall Tissues of Tomato

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Abstract
A study was made of the changes in structure, levels of soluble and protein N, various P fractions, and respiratory intensities of tomato hypocotyl tissues from the time of crown gall induction until the flowering of the plants. Three well-marked structural phases (induction, growth, and maturation) were observed during crown gall development and the modifications in the concns. and/or activities of the various biochemical properties investigated were correlated with structural changes. When calculations were based on a DNA standard to permit comparisons between tumorous and normal cells during development, tumor gas exchange (respiration and fermentation) paralleled that of control cells but was at a higher level throughout most of the period of study. The R. Q. of the tumor was depressed during the induction phase but increased to a value above the control during the growth and maturation phases. Among the P fractions examined, the acid soluble organic compounds formed a predominant portion of the increased total P of the tumor. DNA and phosphoprotein were elevated during the induction phase although neoplasia was not evident at that time. N, particularly protein N, accumulated most vigorously in the tumor during tumorous cell maturation. RNA changes paralleled protein changes. Correlations were observed among protein synthesis, ribonucleic acid, respiration, and tumorous cell maturation. The presence of metaphosphate was observed in tomato hypocotyl tissues.