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The metabolism of fructans during seed development and germination in onion ( Allium cepa L.)
Author(s) -
POLLOCK C. J.,
LLOYD E. J.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.1994.tb04023.x
Subject(s) - fructan , germination , imbibition , allium , botany , anthesis , biology , metabolism , oligosaccharide , horticulture , sucrose , chemistry , food science , biochemistry , cultivar
summary Fructan metabolism was studied during maturation and germination in onion seeds. Fructans formed a significant transient store of carbon during the first 23 d following anthesis with an oligosaccharide distribution which closely resembled that observed in extracts from vegetative tissue. Seed maturation was accompanied by a decline in fructan content and a marked reduction in the number of separable oligosaccharides observed. During imbibition and germination. total fructan contents fell further; however, 4 d after imbibition, there was some elaboration ot higher oligosaccharides. The results are discussed in relation to the activity of the enzymes invoked in fructan metabolism in higher plants.