PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT IN THE LIVERWORT MARCHANTIA POLYMORPHA

Abstract

Extracts of Marchantia polymorpha contain substances which, in vitro, strongly inhibit or enhance indoleacetic acid oxidation by both horseradish peroxidase and an IAA oxidase enzyme from M. polymorpha . The extracts can be partially freed of such activity by dialysis, passage through a column of polyvinylpyrrolidone powder, or extraction with an anion exchange resin. Chromatographic separation of the extract revealed the presence of four as yet unidentified phenolic compounds. Two inhibited and two enhanced IAA oxidase activity. Inhibitory activity was not destroyed by horseradish peroxidase in the absence of IAA. The level of these compounds in various regions of thallus was measured. Inhibitors were present throughout the tissue, with some localization in the basal and apical areas; there was an acropetal gradient of increasing cofactor concentration.