[The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the growth and polysaccharide composition of a callus culture of Silene vulgaris].

Ultraviolet radiation (wavelength, 280-315 nm; power, 0.2-13.0 W/m2; exposure, 1 or 3 h) was shown to change the growth of campion callus and the polysaccharide (pectin and arabinogalactan) composition of cell walls. An increase in the concentration of polysaccharides and a decrease in the content of arabinose and galactose residues in pectin and arabinogalactan were noted. For the majority of calluses, growth indices, specific growth rate, and biomass productivity (per 11 medium) were almost the same as in nonirradiated control cells. Maximum values of the growth index and specific growth rate, determined for dry biomass, were observed at a low dose of irradiation (0.2 W/m2) and an exposure of 3 h. A considerable decrease in the content of arabinose and galactose in pectin was noted at high doses of irradiation (exposure, 3 h). Samples of arabinogalactan were characterized by variable arabinose to galactose ratios, which were in the range 1 : (3.4-8.3).