Lipid Synthesis and Ultrastructure of the Laticifers of Etiolated Euphorbia lathyris Seedlings

Abstract
In 6–14-day-old etiolated seedlings of Euphorbia lashyris a latex triterpene synthesis of 19 μg day−1 was recorded. This production was proportional to stem growth. Laticifer distribution in the cotyledons and stem was studied. In ultra-thin sections the occurrence of many mitochondria was observed. A 14C-latex triterpene synthesis was measured after 14C-glucose and 14C-sucrose uptake by the cotyledons in which most of the 14C-triterpenes were synthesized. 14C-incorporation into these lipids from [1−14C]glucose, [6-14C]glucose and [3,4−14 points to a glycolytic catabolism of glucose prior to terpene synthesis. The possible involvement of mitochondria in this synthesis is discussed.

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