Increase of HCN and β-cyanoalanine synthase activity during ageing of potato tuber slices

Abstract

The evolution of HCN increased significantly during the ageing process of slices of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers in 24 h. Concomitantly, the activity of β-cyanoalanine synthase (CAS)(E.C. 4.4.1.9) was greatly enhanced in the same ageing period. Both the activity of CAS and the evolution of HCN were stimulated by 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) and inhibited by salicylic acid (SA). It was also shown that the production of endogenous ethylene in aged slices exhibited a similar increase. Ethylene production was also affected by ACC and SA. A possible relationship between ethylene production, HCN evolution and the stimulation of CAS activity is discussed.