The effects of inhibitors of cell wall synthesis on tobacco protoplast development

The effect of 2,6‐dichlorobenzonitrile (DB) and coumarin on tobacco protoplast development has been studied using a combination of flow microfluorimetry and quantitative fluorescence microscopy. The results indicated that, over the initial period of culture, DB largely inhibited cellulose production at the cell surface, but did not inhibit DNA synthesis or protein accumulation by the protoplasts. Continuous culture of protoplasts in DB resulted in the accumulation of an increased capacity for cellulose synthesis as expressed following the removal of inhibitor. The possible sites of the specific inhibitory action of DB are discussed.