A tissue culture was established. Highest increases in the fresh weight of cultures were achieved on the media with additions of IBA, NAA and IAA in a concentration of 10.0 mg.l -1. Differences in the values on the above-mentioned media were statistically insignificant. In callus extracts irres- pective of the hormonal composition of the medium, saccharides (saccharose, fructose) and the terpenoid b-sitosterol were demonstrated. The content of amino acids was influenced by the hormonal composition of the medium. In comparison with the intact plant, there occurred differences in both qualitative and quantitative representation of amino acids. Biotransformational experi- ments demonstrated an ability of the culture to biotransform hydroquinone to arbutin. Complete regeneration of whole plants by organogenesis was achieved.

        Key words: tissue culture – Brassica oleracea – amino acids – biotransformation – regeneration