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Free sugar profile in cycads.
Thomas E Marler1, Anders J Lindström2
1Western Pacific Tropical Research Center, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Guam Mangilao, Guam.
Frontiers in Plant Science
|October 24, 2014
Summary
Cycad roots store significantly more sugars like glucose and fructose than other tissues. Sugar composition varies by organ, but not by cycad genus or family.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Botany
Background:
- Cycads are ancient gymnosperms with historical significance for food and medicinal research.
- Previous research focused on starch and neurotoxins, neglecting the non-structural carbohydrate profile.
- Understanding sugar distribution is crucial for cycad metabolism and ecological roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify fructose, glucose, maltose, and sucrose in Zamia muricata tissues.
- To determine sugar variation in lateral roots across 18 cycad species representing all genera.
- To elucidate the distribution and variation of key sugars in cycad organs.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of four specific sugars (fructose, glucose, maltose, sucrose) using analytical techniques.
- Tissue sampling from seven organs of Zamia muricata.
- Analysis of lateral structural roots from 18 diverse cycad species.
Main Results:
- Taproots and lateral roots had higher sugar concentrations than leaves, stems, female strobili, or coralloid roots.
- Glucose and fructose dominated root sugars; sucrose was the primary stem sugar.
- Sugar profiles varied significantly among organs, but not between cycad genera or families.
Conclusions:
- Fructose, glucose, and sucrose are abundant in cycad tissues, with organ-specific relative abundances.
- Stoichiometric sugar relationships differed among organs and families, suggesting metabolic regulation.
- The functional roles of these sugars in carbon storage, signaling, or metabolism remain to be determined.