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The moss Physcomitrella patens releases a tetracyclic diterpene
K Von Schwartzenberg1, W Schultze, H Kassner
1Biozentrum Klein Flottbek und Botanischer Garten, Universität Hamburg, Ohnhorststr. 18, 22609 Hamburg, Germany. kvschwartzenberg@iangbot.uni-hamburg.de
Plant Cell Reports
|February 14, 2004
Summary
The moss Physcomitrella patens releases the tetracyclic diterpene 16alpha-hydroxykaurane into the air. This compound is a major lipid in the moss and forms crystals, indicating aerial release.
Area of Science:
- Plant biochemistry
- Moss physiology
- Natural product chemistry
Background:
- Physcomitrella patens is a model organism for plant research.
- Tetracyclic diterpenes are a class of plant natural products.
- Volatile organic compounds play roles in plant-environment interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and release of 16alpha-hydroxykaurane in Physcomitrella patens cultures.
- To quantify the concentration of 16alpha-hydroxykaurane in P. patens.
- To determine if P. patens releases 16alpha-hydroxykaurane into the atmosphere.
Main Methods:
- Sterile cell cultures of Physcomitrella patens.
- Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry for compound identification and quantification.
- Solid phase microextraction for detecting airborne compounds.
Main Results:
- 16alpha-hydroxykaurane was identified as a major lipid in P. patens cell cultures.
- Intracellular concentrations reached up to 0.84 mmol/l and extracellular up to 9.3 micromol/l.
- Evidence of aerial release of 16alpha-hydroxykaurane was confirmed, forming crystals and detected via solid phase microextraction.
Conclusions:
- Physcomitrella patens produces and releases the tetracyclic diterpene 16alpha-hydroxykaurane.
- This represents the first report of aerial release of a plant-derived tetracyclic diterpene.
- The findings suggest potential roles for diterpenes in plant-atmosphere interactions.