Ambiol Modulates the Functional Characteristics of Pea Seedlings Mitochondria

Abstract

The effect of ambiol, a plant growth regulator, on the functional state of mitochondria of etiolated pea seedlings has been studied. The drug prevented the activation of lipid peroxidation in mitochondrial membranes in the concentration range of 10–5–10–6 and 10–9 M. The addition of ambiol to the incubation medium of these organelles led to an increase in the oxidation rates of NAD-dependent substrates. At the same time, the most effective concentrations were 10–5 and 10–6 M. Changes in the bioenergetic characteristics of mitochondria were accompanied by alterations in the fatty acid composition of mitochondrial membranes. The most significant changes were observed in the content of 18:2 ω6 and 18:3 ω3 fatty acids. It is assumed that an increase in the content of these fatty acids in the mitochondrial membranes may indicate an increase in the content of cardiolipin, which provides the effective functioning of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and, consequently, plays an essential role in the maintenance of high-energy-level metabolism. Treatment of pea seeds with ambiol not only prevented a decrease in the growth rate of pea seedlings under water-deficit conditions, but also stimulated their growth.