Abstract
Structural and complementary chemical studies were performed on specialized secretory structures which produce benzoquinones in Myrsine laetevirens (Myrsinaceae). These structures include: schizogenous secretory cavities, idioblasts or groups of idioblasts in root cortex and xylem rays and groups of cells in the placental epidermis, which produce crystals embedded in indentations of the seed surface. By means of high performance thin layer chromatography (HP‐TLC), gas‐liquid chromatography (GLC), thin layer chromatography flame ionization detector (TLC‐FID), and infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy, the contents of secretory cavities were identified as neutral lipids (triacylglycerols and free fatty acids) and rapanone (2,5‐dihydroxy‐3‐tridecyl‐2,5‐cyclohexadiene‐l,4‐dione). Analysis of seed crystals and idioblast contents revealed rapanone as the main constituent. Ultrastructural observations of secretory cells show that plastids, endoplasmic reticulum and vacuoles are probably related to rapanone synthesis. The possible function and the systematic significance of these compounds are discussed.
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