[Plant biotechnology: an avant-garde research for an ancestral tree, the Ginkgo biloba]

A biotechnology program on Ginkgo biloba was implemented in early 80's, in order to improve the biosynthesis in the whole plant and in cell cultures of therapeutically active substances, mainly terpenes like ginkgolides. This program led to very interesting results in various directions In addition, by the mean of in vitro culture, metabolic studies have given some pertinent fundamental results adding to the basic understanding of Ginkgo biloba: ginkgolides and bilobalide are biosynthesized in the roots of the plant and then translocated to the leaves. Two separate and independent metabolic pathways have been underlined for the formation of isopentenylpyrophosphate (IPP), the fundamental unit involved both in the biosynthesis of the sitosterol and the ginkgolides. The possibilities offered by plant biotechnology allowed the implementation of new tools for propagation and improvement of the Ginkgo biloba and have enriched the knowledge of the biosynthesis of active principles.