H. Gagnon et al., BIOSYNTHESIS, ACCUMULATION AND SECRETION OF ISOFLAVONOIDS DURING GERMINATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF WHITE LUPIN (LUPINUS-ALBUS L), Journal of Experimental Botany, 46(287), 1995, pp. 609-616
A combination of C-14 labelling experiments of white lupin seedlings (
Lupinus albus L.) and high pressure liquid chromatography of tissue ex
tracts indicated active biosynthesis of isoflavonoids during the first
2-4 d of seed germination. These were synthesized mostly as glucoside
s and to a lesser extent as aglycones, with trace amounts of prenylate
d derivatives. There was a general decrease in total isoflavonoids dur
ing later stages of germination (c. until d 13), which may be ascribed
to their turnover and/or exudation into the rhizosphere. In addition,
exudation of isoflavonoids by lupin seeds germinated under sterile co
nditions continues for 12 d with a preferential release of monoprenyla
ted compounds. The relationship between the specific developmental eve
nts during seed germination and the accumulation of certain groups of
isoflavonoids is discussed in relation to their possible role in the g
rowth processes of lupin.