Open AccessHistolocalization of chemotaxonomic markers in Brazilian Vernonieae (Asteraceae)
Author(s) -
Lusa Makeli G.,
Da Costa Fernando B.,
AppezzatodaGlória Beatriz
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
botanical journal of the linnean society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.872
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1095-8339
pISSN - 0024-4074
DOI - 10.1111/boj.12481
Subject(s) - biology , trichome , asteraceae , secondary metabolite , botany , parenchyma , chemotaxonomy , terpenoid , metabolite , biochemistry , taxonomy (biology) , gene
Vernonieae are well represented in South America by subtribe Lychnophorinae, with 104 Brazilian species, some of them rare and endangered. Lychnophorinae are well known for producing metabolites of high pharmaceutical and chemotaxonomic value. Despite the importance of secondary metabolites in Lychnophorinae, there is still little evidence regarding the secretory structures responsible for producing these compounds. Therefore, in this study we investigated 15 species representative of the main lineages of Lychnophorinae, with the following objectives: to identify where the chemotaxonomic markers of Lychnophorinae are secreted and stored and in which developmental stage of the organ these metabolites are found. Samples of stems and leaves were processed according to the usual techniques in plant anatomy. It was found that the main sites of secondary metabolite biosynthesis are glandular trichomes, epidermal cells and parenchyma tissues. Metabolites from glandular trichomes, especially sesquiterpene lactones (STL), are prevalent in the early developmental stages of organs. The metabolite compounds stored in parenchyma tissues are mainly terpenoids, flavonoids and other phenolic compounds; young and expanded leaves are equally rich in metabolites. Thus, the information obtained in this study is essential for conducting chemotaxonomic studies in this group, helping to promote selective collection and conservation of species.