[Regulation of terpene metabolism]
During the last grant period, we have completed studies on the key pathways of monoterpene biosynthesis and catabolism in sage and peppermint, and have, by several lines of evidence, deciphered the rate-limiting step of each pathway. We have at least partially purified and characterized the relevant enzymes of each pathway. We have made a strong case, based on analytical, in vivo, and in vitro studies, that terpene accumulation depends upon the balance between biosynthesis and catabolism, and provided supporting evidence that these processes are developmentally-regulated and very closely associated with senescence of the oil glands. Oil gland ontogeny has been characterized at the ultrastructural level. We have exploited foliar-applied bioregulators to delay gland senescence, and have developed tissue explant and cell culture systems to study several elusive aspects of catabolism. We have isolated pure gland cell clusters and localized monoterpene biosynthesis and catabolism within these structures, and have used these preparations as starting materials for the purification to homogeneity of target regulatory'' enzymes. We have thus developed the necessary background knowledge, based on a firm understanding of enzymology, as well as the necessary experimental tools for studying the regulation of monoterpene metabolism at the molecular level. Furthermore, we are now in a position to extend our systematic approach to other terpenoid classes (C[sub 15]-C[sub 30]) produced by oil glands.
- Research Organization:
- Washington State Univ., Pullman, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG06-88ER13869
- OSTI ID:
- 6984681
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ER/13869-3; ON: DE93010768
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ESSENTIAL OILS
BIOSYNTHESIS
TERPENES
BIOLOGICAL PATHWAYS
CAMPHOR
CARBON 14 COMPOUNDS
CYCLASES
OXIDOREDUCTASES
PROGRESS REPORT
TISSUE CULTURES
TRACER TECHNIQUES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENZYMES
ISOTOPE APPLICATIONS
KETONES
LABELLED COMPOUNDS
LYASES
OILS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PROTEINS
SYNTHESIS
090900* - Biomass Fuels- Processing- (1990-)
550201 - Biochemistry- Tracer Techniques
550501 - Metabolism- Tracer Techniques