Role of polyamines in growth and development
Gallardo, M., Matilla, A., Muñoz de Rueda, P. and Sánchez-Calle, I.M.
Ars Pharm.37;(1);17-27, (1996)
Key words: Polyamines, Putrescine, Spermidine, Growth]Abstract
Polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) are aliphatic nitrogenous compounds that at present are considered growth regulators because they have some demonstrated effect on cellular growth, division and differentiation at low concentrations. Polyamines, due to polycationic nature, can be bound to negatively charged molecules such as nucleic acids, proteins or phospholipids altering genic expression, the activity of some enzymes and also modifying the fluidity and permeability of the biological membranes. In some plant systems, polyamines may act to store organic nitrogen being the sole source of nitrogen. Polyamine and ethylene biosynthesis are related by the common precursor S-adenosylmethionine, and the distribution of this compound can have important physiological implications. Polyamines are also bound to hydroxycinnamic acids and thus possibly affect the processes of differentiation, flowering and maturation. Polyamines have an effect on the resistance to virus and fungus in some plants. The plant cell wall is one of the most important compartments in relation to the polyamine catabolism, emphasizing the increase in the conjugation of polyamines in the cell wall during the cell senescence. The importance of the polyamines as precursors of numerous alkaloids are also reviewed.
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