FORMATION OF TERPENOID PRODUCTS IN GINKGO-BILOBA L CULTIVATED CELLS

Ginkgolides are diterpenes arising from the terpenoid precursor: geran ylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP). Incorporation of [1-C-14] isopentenylp yrophosphate ([1-C-14]IPP) into GGPP was monitored throughout the cult ivation cycle of G. biloba L. cultivated cells. Because incorporation of [1-C-14]IPP into GGPP had never been monitored in G. biloba, in eit her the whole plant or cultivated cell system, modifications to existi ng protocols were necessary. Modifications consisted of extracting the cells with an extraction buffer supplemented with Triton-X-100. Farne sylpyrophosphate (FPP) was the major product formed. The amount of GGP P detected was about one tenth that of FPP.