A. Meuter-gerhards et al., Studies on sporopollenin biosynthesis in Cucurbita maxima (DUCH.) - II. The involvement of aliphatic metabolism, J PLANT PHY, 154(4), 1999, pp. 431-436
Due to the results of spectroscopic analysis, an involvement of aliphatics
in the structure of the sporopollenin molecule has been proposed. To test t
his assumption on a biochemical level, tracer experiments were carried out
in which the aliphatic moiety of the biopolymer was targeted. Tracer experi
ments were focussed on the incorporation of C-14-labeled substances, such a
s acetic acid, malonic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid. Se
veral cofactors and inhibitors of sterol biosynthesis were used to enhance
the incorporation rates of the precursors. The highest incorporation rates
were obtained with acetic acid in the presence of a sterol biosynthesis inh
ibitor. The incorporation of this precursor could be increased to a signifi
cant extent if AMO 1618 was added simultaneously with the tracer. In the ca
se of fatty acid the best results were obtained with oleic and stearic acid
s. With the significant incorporation of these substances the involvement o
f the aliphatic metabolism in biosynthesis of sporopollenin could be verifi
ed.