Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Biosynthesis of a Flavonol from a Flavanone by Establishing a One-pot Bienzymatic Cascade
Published on: August 14, 2019
Biosynthesis of (+)-Tartaric Acid from l-[4-C]Ascorbic Acid in Grape and Geranium
1Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164.
Abstract:
The metabolic fate of l-[4-(14)C]ascorbic acid has been examined in the grape (Vitis labrusca L.) and lemon geranium (Pelargonium crispum L. L'Hér. cv. Prince Rupert) under conditions comparable to data from l-[1-(14)C]ascorbic acid and l-[6-(14)C]ascorbic acid experiments. In detached grape leaves and immature berries, l-[4-(14)C]ascorbic acid and l-[1-(14)C]ascorbic acid were equivalent precursors to carboxyl labeled (+)-tartaric acid. In geranium apices, l-[4-(14)C]ascorbic acid yielded internal labeled (+)-tartaric acid while l-[6-(14)C]ascorbic acid gave an equivalent conversion to carboxyl labeled (+)-tartaric acid. These findings clearly show that two distinct processes for the synthesis of (+)-tartaric acid from l-ascorbic acid exist in plants identified as (+)-tartaric acid accumulators. In grape leaves and immature berries, (+)-tartaric acid synthesis proceeds via preservation of a four-carbon fragment derived from carbons 1 through 4 of l-ascorbic acid while carbons 3 through 6 yield (+)-tartaric acid in geranium apices.
More Related Videos
11:56A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
Published on: April 11, 2014
10:22Improved UPLC-UV Method for the Quantification of Vitamin C in Lettuce Varieties (Lactuca sativa L.) and Crop Wild Relatives (Lactuca spp.)
Published on: June 30, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Production of Organic Acids
The Citric Acid Cycle: Overview
The citric...
Loss of Carboxy Group as CO2: Decarboxylation of Malonic Acid Derivatives
The Citric Acid Cycle
Products of the Citric Acid Cycle
Polyprotic Acids