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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Utilizing the Ethylene-releasing Compound, 2-Chloroethylphosphonic Acid, as a Tool to Study Ethylene Response in Bacteria
Published on: November 10, 2016
Role of Ethylene Metabolism in Amaranthus retroflexus
1Du Pont Co., Central Research and Development Department, Experimental Station, Bldg. 402/4242, Wilmington, Delaware 19898.
Abstract:
(14)C-Ethylene was metabolized by etiolated pigweed seedlings (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) in the manner similar to that observed in other plants. The hormone was oxidized to (14)CO(2) and incorporated into (14)C-tissue components. Selected cyclic olefins with differing abilities to block ethylene action were used to determine if ethylene metabolism in pigweed is necessary for ethylene action. 2,5-Norbornadiene and 1,3-cyclohexadiene were effective inhibitors of ethylene action at 800 and 6400 microliters per liter, respectively, in the gas phase, while 1,4-cyclohexadiene and cyclohexene were not. However, all four cyclic olefins inhibited the incorporation and conversion of (14)C-ethylene to (14)CO(2) by 95% with I(50) values below 100 microliters per liter. The results indicate that total ethylene metabolism does not directly correlate with changes in ethylene action. Additionally, the fact that inhibition of ethylene metabolism by the cyclic olefins did not result in a corresponding increase in ethylene evolution indicates that ethylene metabolism does not serve to significantly reduce endogenous ethylene levels.
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