Rosmarinic acid accumulation and expression of tyrosine aminotransferase gene in Melissa officinalis seedlings in response to CuO nanoparticles

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a valuable medicinal compound which can be produce through the phenilpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. In this research, RA accumulations, flavonoid content and TAT gene expression were analyzed in 30 days old Lemon balm seedlings which treated with different concentrations of CuO nanoparticles for 8 hours. RA contents were significantly evaluated in treated seedlings with all nano particles concentrations in compared to the control. The most content of this matter was seen in the treated seedlings with the lowest nanoparticles and decreased by increasing nano particles in media. Interestingly, the TAT gene expression showed the similar pattern as seen for RA content. The total flavonoid content gradually increased up 1000 mg/L concentration and significantly decreased at the highest concentration rater to 1000 mg/L. Based on the results, it seems the nanoparticle affected flavonoid and RA contents through effect on the genes expression which involve in phenolic compound biosynthesis pathway.