The role of phenolic compounds in growth improvement of cultured tobacco cells after exposure to 2-D clinorotation

Previous studies have confirmed that the growth and development of plants are entirely dependent on the gravitational acceleration of the Earth. So far, most of the studies on the plant response to the Earth gravity have focused on the geotropism of root tip of higher plants. Under space and clinorotation conditions, however, plant growth and development are supposed to be modified. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the growth and metabolism of cultured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Burley 21) cells after 1 week continuous treatment with 2-D clinorotation. In these cells, the sensing of gravity and response to it occur in single cells without the involvement of specialized organs or tissues. The contents of phenolic compounds and phytohormones were evaluated by HPLC. Growth parameters i.e., fresh and dry weight of 2-D clinorotation-exposed tobacco cells significantly increased and it was accompanied by a significant increase in the contents of Indole-3-acetic acid and brassinosteroids, compared to the control group. Exposure to clinorotation also increased the content of antioxidant phenolics but significantly decreased the content of lignin producing phenolic acids. Altogether, these metabolic alterations prevented membrane damage and maintained wall loosening and growth potential of tobacco cells.