Abstract
Volatiles affect tea (Camellia sinensis) aroma quality and have roles in tea plant defense against stresses. Some volatiles defend against stresses through their toxicity, which might affect tea safety. Benzyl nitrile is a defense-related toxic volatile compound that accumulates in tea under stresses, but its formation mechanism in tea remains unknown. In this study, l-[2H8]phenylalanine feeding experiments and enzyme reactions showed that benzyl nitrile was generated from l-phenylalanine via phenylacetaldoxime in tea. CsCYP79D73 showed activity for converting l-phenylalanine into phenylacetaldoxime, while CsCYP71AT96s showed activity for converting phenylacetaldoxime into benzyl nitrile. Continuous wounding in the oolong tea process significantly enhanced the CsCYP79D73 expression level and phenylacetaldoxime and benzyl nitrile contents. Benzyl nitrile accumulation under continuous wounding stress was attributed to an increase in jasmonic acid, which activated CsCYP79D73 expression. This represents the first elucidation of the formation mechanism of benzyl nitrile in tea.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
