Ambiol Modulates the Functional Characteristics of Pea Seedlings Mitochondria

The effect of the plant growth regulator ambiol on the functional state of mitochondria of etiolated pea seedlings was 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 introduction of ambiol into the incubation medium of these organelles resulted in an increase in the oxidation rates of NAD-dependent substrates. The most effective concentrations were 10^–5 and 10^–6 M. Changes in the bioenergetic characteristics of mitochondria were accompanied by changes in the fatty acid composition of mitochondrial membranes. The most significant changes occurred in the content of 18:2ω6 and 18:3ω3 fatty acids. It was hypothesized that an increase in the content of these fatty acids in the membranes of mitochondria indicated an increase in the content of cardiolipin, which ensured the effective functioning of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and, consequently, the maintenance of energy metabolism at a high level. The treatment of pea seeds with ambiol not only prevented a decrease in the growth rate of pea seedlings under conditions of water stress, but also stimulated their growth.