Changes in the metabolism of polyamines, which seem to be involved in transcription and translation in animal systems, have been studied in cultured cells of Daucus carota (carrot) undergoing embryogenesis. Putrescine levels were elevated by as much as 2-fold over the control within 24 hours after transfer of the cells to embryogenic medium. Spermidine levels were elevated also but spermine levels appeared to be lower in embryogenic cells. Embryogenic cells incorporated [(14)C]arginine into putrescine at two times the rate of control cells. These changes suggest that polyamines may be involved in cellular differentiation during embryogenesis.