Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Electrophysiological Measurements from a Moth Olfactory System
Published on: March 29, 2011
Conversion of airborne nerolidol to DMNT emission requires additional signals in Achyranthes bidentata
Shigeru Tamogami1, Yukiko Takahashi, Makoto Abe
1Laboratory of Biologically Active Compounds, Department of Biological Production, Akita Prefectural University, Akita, Japan. tamo_chem@akita-pu.ac.jp
Abstract:
DMNT biosynthesis was proposed to proceed via (E)-nerolidol in plants a decade ago. However, (E)-nerolidol function as airborne signal/substrate for in-vivo biosynthesis of DMNT remains to be investigated and the regulation of DMNT production and emission is largely unknown. We address both of these aspects using Achyranthes bidentata model plant in conjunction with deuterium-labeled d(5)-(E)-nerolidol, headspace, GC-FID, and GC/MS-based absolute quantification approaches. We demonstrate that airborne (E)-nerolidol is specifically metabolized in-vivo into DMNT emission, but requires airborne VOC MeJA or predator herbivore as additional environmental signal. In addition, we provide new insight into the complex regulation underlying DMNT emission, and highlight the importance of studying multiple environmental factors on emission patterns of plant VOCs and their mechanistic regulation.
Related Concept Videos
meta-Directing Deactivators: –NO2, –CN, –CHO, –⁠CO2R, –COR, –CO2H
Diazonium Group Substitution: –OH and –H
Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution: Addition–Elimination (SNAr)
The reaction begins with an attack of the nucleophile on the carbon that holds the leaving group. This results in the delocalization of the π electrons over the ring carbons. The resonance interaction between the...
1° Amines to Diazonium or Aryldiazonium Salts: Diazotization with NaNO2 Mechanism
ortho–para-Directing Activators: –CH3, –OH, –⁠NH2, –OCH3

