[Change in biochemical composition of amaranth leaves as a result of selection for increased level of amaranthine pigment].

The composition and content of secondary compounds produced by the shikimate pathway and the contents of protein and cellulose were determined in leaves of amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) K-99 and the cultivar Valentina raised from it by family selection and enriched in the pigment amaranthine. It was found that intense biosynthesis of amaranthine, tyrosine, and phenylalanine resulted in a decrease in the contents of lignin, protein, and cellulose in leaves of Valentina by comparison with K-99 and in changed the morphological traits: color deepening and a decrease in leaf density. It is concluded that amaranth biosynthesis is related to nitrogen metabolism and amaranthine is an intermediate involved in conversion of nitrogen compounds in the cell.