Abstract
The terpenoid compositions of three conifer species from the Miocene Clarkia flora, Emerald Creek, Idaho, USA, and of related extant species were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The extracts of the seed cones of Miocene Taxodium dubium, Glyptostrobus oregonensis, and Cunninghamia chaneyi (Cupressaceae s.l.) contain several sesqui- and diterpenoids which originate from the resins. Many of the terpenoids have been degraded to their diagenetic products (geoterpenoids), but some compounds are preserved unaltered as the natural products (bioterpenoids). The fossil conifer species show characteristic diterpenoid patterns which in part match the compounds that have been found in the extant species. Fossil and extant species contain terpenoids characteristic for the Cupressaceae. Abietane type diterpenoids are the major compounds in the fossil T. dubium and the extant Taxodium distichum. G. oregonensis contains abietane and labdane derivatives as observed in the extant Glyptostrobus pensilis. Monoterpenoids and predominant diterpenoid acids and alcohols of the abietane and pimarane type characterize C. chaneyi and the extant Cunninghamia lanceolata. Based on the occurrence of unaltered bioterpenoids and their presumed degradation products in the fossil conifers, diagenetic pathways of some abietane, pimarane and ispopimarane type diterpenoids are proposed. The results show that terpenoids are valuable molecular markers for (paleo)systematics and phylogeny of conifers.
Published Version
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.
