Biosynthesis and metabolism ofl-ascorbic acid in virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefoliaL.)

✍ Scribed by Johnnes P. F. G. Helsper; Kazumi Saito; Frank A. Loewus

• Book ID: 104752425
• Publisher: Springer-Verlag
• Year: 1981
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 577 KB
• Volume: 152
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0032-0935
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00391190

✦ Synopsis

Detached leaves of Parthenocissus quinquefolia L., Vitaceae convert D-glucose to L-ascorbic acid with conservation of the carbon chain sequence and with retention of the hydroxymethyl group at carbon 6. L-Ascorbic acid is cleaved between carbons 4 and 5. The C~ fragment is converted to L-tartaric acid. The C2 fragment, possibly glycolaldehyde, recycles into products of hexose phosphate metabolism. During the metabolic period a relatively high portion of carbon-1 of L-ascorbic acid, as compared with carbon-4, was released as CO2. These studies demonstrate the usefulness of Virginia Creeper for yeararound research on ascorbic-acid metabolism and tartaric-acid biosynthesis in Vitaceae-type plants.