Photoautotrophic Growth of Soybean Cells in Suspension Culture

Abstract

Highly chlorophyLous photomixotrophic callus was visually selected from callus originating from soybean (G(vine nma (L.) Menf. var. Corsoy) cotyledon. Suspension cultures initiated from this callus became photoautotrophic under continuous light with an atmosphere of 5% CO2 (balance air). Dry weight increases of 1000 to 1400% in the 2-week subculture period have been observed. The cellular Chl content ranged from 4.4 to 5.9 micrograms per mllligm dry weight which is about 75 to 90% of the Chi content in soybean leaves under equivalent ilumination (300 microEinsteins per square meter per second). No growth can be observed in the dark in sucrose-lacking medium or in the presence of 0.5 micromolar 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea, a concentration which does not inhibit heterobophic growth (on sucrose). Photoautotrophic growth has an absolute requirement for elevated CO2 concentrations (>1%). During the 14-day subculture period, growth (fresh weight and dry weight) is logarithmic. Photosynthesis quickly increases after day 4, reaching a peak of 83 micromoles CO2 incorporated per milligram Chl per hour whlle dark respiration decreases 90% from day 2 to day 6. The pH of the growth medium quickly drops from 7.0 to 4.5 before slowly increasing to 5.0 by day 14. At this pH range and light intensity (200-300 microEinsteins per square meter per second), no 02 evolution could be detected although at high pH and light intensity 02 evolution was recorded.