BISBIBENZYL FORMATION IN ASEPTIC CULTURES OF MARCHANTIA-POLYMORPHA L

Three new aseptic cultures of Marchantia polymorpha from different collecting sites have been induced from the gametophytes. The formation of bisbibenzyls in differentiated cultures and cell suspension cultures was investigated. We observed that the production of the main bisbibenzyl, Marchantin A was induced by lack of nitrate and the addition of cupric sulfate to the medium. The comparison of bisbibenzyl patterns in three different cultures suggest the existence of chemical races of M. polymorpha. Bisbibenzyl patterns in differentiated cultures and cell suspension cultures appeared to be similar.