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Quantitative 31P NMR Analysis of Lignins and Tannins
Published on: August 2, 2021
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Ecological implications of condensed tannin structure: A case study.
T P Clausen1, F D Provenza, E A Burritt
1Department of Chemistry, University of Alaska, 99775-0520, Fairbanks, Alaska.
Journal of Chemical Ecology
|November 23, 2013
Summary
Snowshoe hares preferred bitterbrush condensed tannins over blackbrush tannins, likely due to structural differences affecting depolymerization and absorption, not protein binding.
Area of Science:
- Plant biochemistry
- Animal nutrition
- Ecology
Background:
- Condensed tannins are plant polyphenols influencing herbivore diets.
- Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) and blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima) are important forage species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the condensed tannins from bitterbrush and blackbrush.
- To determine the factors influencing snowshoe hare preference for these tannins.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and structural analysis of condensed tannins from two plant species.
- Feeding trials with snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus).
Main Results:
- Both tannins were procyanidins of similar polymer length but differed in stereochemistry.
- Snowshoe hares showed a clear preference for bitterbrush tannins over blackbrush tannins.
- Protein-precipitating ability did not explain the observed preference.
Conclusions:
- Stereochemical differences in condensed tannins affect herbivore preference.
- Depolymerization and absorption rates of tannins may be key factors in herbivore choice.
- Tannin structure influences the products of depolymerization, impacting nutritional outcomes for herbivores.
