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Recent advances in the understanding of polyamine functions during plant development

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Abstract

Suggested roles for polyamine function, and the evidence for these functions, is reviewed. These include membrane stabilization, free radical scavenging, effects on DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, effects on the activities of RNase, protease and other enzymes, the interaction with ethylene biosynthesis, and effects on second messengers. It is concluded that in addition to interacting with plant hormones, polyamines are able to modulate plant development through a fundamental mechanism(s) common to all living organisms.

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Abbreviations

ACC:

1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid

ADC:

arginine decarboxylase

Chl:

chlorophyll

DAP:

diaminopropane

DFMA:

DL-α-difluoromethylarginine

DFMO:

DL-α-difluoromethylornithine

PAs:

polyamines

Put:

putrescine

SAM:

S-adenosylmethionine

Spd:

spermidine

Spm:

spermine

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unitat de Fisiologia Vegetal, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain

    A. F. Tiburcio, J. L. Campos & X. Figueras

  2. Horticulture Research International, BN17 6LP, Littlehampton, West Sussex, UK

    R. T. Besford

Authors
  1. A. F. Tiburcio
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  2. J. L. Campos
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  3. X. Figueras
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  4. R. T. Besford
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Tiburcio, A.F., Campos, J.L., Figueras, X. et al. Recent advances in the understanding of polyamine functions during plant development. Plant Growth Regul 12, 331–340 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00027215

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