(Regulation of terpene metabolism: Final report)
We have completed studies on the key pathways of monoterpene biosynthesis in sage and peppermint, and on biosynthetic enzymes. We have confirmed that monoterpene turnover does occur, have deciphered the function of this process in plants, delineated the essential features of the catabolic pathways for camphor and menthone, and initiated studies on the relevant enzymology. We have made a strong case, based on analytical, in vivo, and in vitro studies, that terpene accumulation (yield and composition) depends on the balance between biosynthetic and catabolic events, and provided supporting evidence that these processes are developmentally regulated and very closely associated with senescence (collapse) of the oil glands. We have demonstrated that foliar applied bioregulators influence terpene composition and yield, probably by a combination of effects in oil gland development and by more direct alteration of enzyme levels. These studies have provided a practical means for modifying terpene composition and yield and, moreover, have provided a powerful approach to studying developmental regulation in intact plants, explants and tissue culture systems. We have thus developed the fundamental background knowledge needed as well as the necessary experimental tools for studying the regulation of terpene metabolism.
- Research Organization:
- Washington State Univ., Pullman, WA (United States). Inst. of Biological Chemistry
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AT06-82ER12027
- OSTI ID:
- 6096417
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ER/12027-6; ON: DE92004298
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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[Regulation of terpene metabolism]
[Regulation of terpene metabolism]. Annual progress report, March 15, 1990--March 14, 1991