The Biochemical Pathway in Triterpene Synthesis in Laticifers ofHoyaandEuphorbia

Abstract

SummarySuccessful 14C—incorporation into latex triterpenes of Hoya diversifolia and Euphorbia lathyris was obtained by incubating latex bearing plant parts with 14C sugars. Incorporation experiments with specifically labeled glucose revealed a glycolytic sequence of glucose catabolism inside e laticifer prior to isoprene synthesis. The participation of an oxidative pentose cycle was of minor importance. The biochemical aspects and consequences of this direct link between carbohydrate metabolism and lipid synthesis inside a laticifer are outlined.