Premium
Chemical Approach to Genetics
Author(s) -
Lavie David,
Kirson Issac,
Abraham Arieh
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
israel journal of chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.908
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1869-5868
pISSN - 0021-2148
DOI - 10.1002/ijch.197500045
Subject(s) - withania somnifera , chemotype , withanolide , chemistry , hybrid , botany , biology , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology , essential oil
The modifications taking place in the substitution pattern of organic molecules during cross breeding by pollination has been investigated. Through the process of hybridisation of different “chemotypes” of Withania somnifera (Solanaceae), changes have been observed among the substituents present in the steroidal lactones of the withanolide type which are characteristic for this and related species. Several reciprocal cross‐pollinations were performed between the types and the structures of the withanolides produced in the leaves were analysed and determined. These studies led to an understanding of the biogenetic processes leading to specific substitution patterns, and in certain cases enabled a genetic control over the compounds produced in the plant. Compounds not present in natural types could be anticipated to be formed, and indeed were present in the hybrids. Through these studies an insight on the reactions governed by the genetic background of the types taking part in the hybridisation was achieved. Groupings, when found in specific locations of the skeleton could be described as present there due to dominant or recessive genetic characters. These conclusions were reached following analysis of a large number of offsprings for several generations. This method enabled the study of the genetic characters of a plant on the chemical level.