Cocobean Tissue Culture: Lipid Composition and Fatty Acid Metabolism

ABSTRACT

Cocoabean callus cultures were established and grew satisfactorily on an agar medium for more than 2 yr. Cell suspension cultures were initiated from the callus. The fresh weight of cells increased over 20-fold in 14 days. The lipid content of callus and cells was 5.3 and 6.5%, respectively. The fatty acid composition of cocoa callus and cell suspension cultures resembled that of immature cocoabeans since they contained high amounts of linoleic acid. Stereospecific distribution of fatty acids in triglycerides from cocoa callus and cells was similar to that of ripe cocoabeans. Exogenous acetate and fatty acids were readily incorporated into lipids by cocoa cell suspension cultures. Exogenous stearic acid increased triglyceride content twofold but did not change fatty acid composition of triglycerides. Coconut water alone or in combination with sucrose also increased triglyceride content with a concomitant increase in oleic acid from 10% to 33% and a decrease in linoleic acid from 37% to 19%.