Showing papers on "Sucrose published in 1991"

Sucrose Phosphate Synthase, Sucrose Synthase, and Invertase Activities in Developing Fruit of Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. and the Sucrose Accumulating Lycopersicon hirsutum Humb. and Bonpl.

Abstract: The green-fruited Lycopersicon hirsutum Humb. and Bonpl. accumulated sucrose to concentrations of about 118 micromoles per gram fresh weight during the final stages of development. In comparison, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cultivars contained less than 15 micromoles per gram fresh weight of sucrose at the ripe stage. Glucose and fructose levels remained relatively constant throughout development in L. hirsutum at 22 to 50 micromoles per gram fresh weight each. Starch content was low even at early stages of development, and declined further with development. Soluble acid invertase (EC 3.2. 1.26) activity declined concomitant with the rise in sucrose content. Acid invertase activity, which was solubilized in 1 molar NaCl (presumably cell-wall bound), remained constant throughout development (about 3 micromoles of reducing sugars (per gram fresh weight) per hour. Sucrose phosphate synthase (EC 2.4.1.14) activity was present at about 5 micromoles of sucrose (per gram fresh weight) per hour even at early stages of development, and increased sharply to about 40 micromoles of sucrose (per gram fresh weight) per hour at the final stages of development studied, parallel to the rise in sucrose content. In comparison, sucrose phosphate synthase activity in L. esculentum remained low throughout development. The possible roles of the sucrose metabolizing enzymes in determining sucrose accumulation are discussed.

Sink Metabolism in Tomato Fruit : IV. Genetic and Biochemical Analysis of Sucrose Accumulation

Abstract: Fruit of domesticated tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) accumulate primarily glucose and fructose, whereas some wild tomato species, including Lycopersicon chmielewskii, accumulate sucrose. Genetic analysis of progeny resulting from a cross between L. chmielewskii and L. esculentum indicated that the sucrose-accumulating trait could be stably transferred and that the trait was controlled by the action of one or two recessive genes. Biochemical analysis of progeny resulting from this cross indicated that the sucrose-accumulating trait was associated with greatly reduced levels of acid invertase, but normal levels of sucrose synthase. Invertase from hexose-accumulating fruit was purified and could be resolved into three isoforms by chromatofocusing, each with isoelectric points between 5.1 and 5.5. The invertase isoforms showed identical polypeptide profiles on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, consisting of a primary 52 kilodalton polypeptide and two lower molecular mass polypeptides that appear to be degradation products of the 52 kilodalton polypeptide. The three invertase isoforms were indistinguishable based on pH, temperature, and substrate concentration dependence. Immunological detection of invertase indicated that the low level of invertase in sucrose-accumulating fruit was due to low levels of invertase protein rather than the presence of an invertase inhibitor. Based on comparison of genetic and biochemical data we speculate that a gene either encoding tomato fruit acid invertase or one required for its expression, plays an important role in determining sucrose accumulation.

Expression of a maize sucrose phosphate synthase in tomato alters leaf carbohydrate partitioning.

Abstract: We isolated a complementary DNA sequence for the enzyme sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) from maize utilizing a limited amino acid sequence. The 3509-bp cDNA encodes a 1068-amino acid polypeptide. The identity of the cDNA was confirmed by the ability of the cloned sequence to direct sucrose phosphate synthesis in Escherichia coli. Because no plant-specific factors were necessary for enzymatic activity, we can conclude that SPS enzyme activity is conferred by a single gene product. Sequence comparisons showed that SPS is distantly related to the enzyme sucrose synthase. When expressed from a ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase small subunit promoter in transgenic tomatoes, total SPS activity was boosted up to sixfold in leaves and appeared to be physiologically uncoupled from the tomato regulation mechanism. The elevated SPS activity caused a reduction of starch and increase of sucrose in the tomato leaves. This result clearly demonstrates that SPS is involved in the regulation of carbon partitioning in the leaves.

Sucrose phosphate synthase and other sucrose metabolizing enzymes in fruits of various species.

Abstract: Recent reports have suggested that sucrose phosphate synthase (EC 2.4.1.14), a key enzyme in sucrose biosynthesis in photosynthetic “source” tissues, may also be important in some sucrose accumulating “sink” tissues. These experiments were conducted to determine if sucrose phosphate synthase is involved in sucrose accumulation in fruits of several species. Peach (Prunus persica NCT 516) and strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa cv. Chandler) fruits were harvested directly from the plant at various stages of fruit development. Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis), papaya (Carica papaya), pineapple (Ananas comosus) and mango (Mangifera indica) were sampled in postharvest storage over a period of several days. Carbohydrate concentrations and activities of sucrose phosphate synthase, sucrose synthase (EC 2.4.1.13), and acid and neutral invertases (EC 3.2.1.26) were measured. All fruits contained significant activities of sucrose phosphate synthase. Moreover, in fruits from all species except pineapple and papaya, there was an increase in sucrose phosphate synthase activity associated with the accumulation of sucrose in situ. The increase in sucrose concentration in peaches was also associated with an increase in sucrose synthase activity and, in strawberries, with increased activity of both sucrose synthase and neutral invertase. The hexose pools in all fruits were comprised of equimolar concentrations of fructose and glucose, except in the mango. In mango, the fructose to glucose ratio increased from 2 to 41 during ripening as sucrose concentration more than doubled. The results of this study indicate that activities of the sucrose metabolizing enzymes, including sucrose phosphate synthase, within the fruit itself, are important in determining the soluble sugar content of fruits of many species. This appears to be true for fruits which sweeten from a starch reserve and in fruits from sorbitol translocating species, raffinose saccharide translocating species, and sucrose translocating species.

Autotrophic and mixotrophic growth of Gallionella ferruginea

Abstract: Summary: CO2 fixation and uptake of sugars by Gallionella ferruginea were demonstrated by liquid scintillation and microautoradiographic techniques. The theoretical carbon content of a G. ferruginea cell in the exponential and stationary growth phases was calculated from size measurements of images of acridine-orange-stained cells. The carbon content of a cell in the exponential phase was 1·25 × 10-14 mol and for a cell in the stationary phase it was 5 × 10-15 mol. G. ferruginea was shown to obtain all of its cell carbon from CO2 fixation when it was cultured under aerobic gradient conditions in a mineral salt solution with iron sulphide. Uptake experiments were performed with 1·6 μM-[14C]frucose, 1·6 μM-[14C]fructose and 1·3 μM-[14C]sucrose. There was significant uptake of all three sugars. Measurements of respired 14CO2 showed that 48%, 25% and 32% of the total amount of incorporated sugar was respired for glucose, fructose and sucrose, respectively. The uptake of glucose increased when the glucose concentration in the growth medium was increased. At a glucose concentration of 10 μM or higher, the cell carbon was derived exclusively from glucose, within the errors of estimation. Mixotrophic growth with 20 μM-glucose decreased the CO2 fixation to 0·4 × 10-14 mol carbon per cell, compared to autotrophically grown cells with 1·0 × 10-14 mol carbon per cell. The addition of 20 μM-glucose gave an increase in cell number in the stationary phase from 1 × 106 to 5 × 106 cells ml-1.

A "futile" cycle of sucrose synthesis and degradation is involved in regulating partitioning between sucrose, starch and respiration in cotyledons of germinating Ricinus communis L. seedlings when phloem transport is inhibited.

Abstract: There was a dramatic alteration in the pattern of metabolism of [U14C]glucose by cotyledons of germinating Ricinus communis L. seedlings when phloem transport was inhibited by removing most of the hypocotyl and root. (i) Incorporation into sucrose was decreased two- to threefold, incorporation into starch was stimulated three- to sixfold, and there was a small increase of respiration, (ii) Pulse-chase experiments using 14C and measurements of the total sucrose content revealed a rapid cycle of sucrose synthesis and degradation. When export is inhibited there is a two- to threefold inhibition of unidirectional sucrose synthesis and a three-fold stimulation of unidirectional sucrose degradation. As a result, the net flux switches from rapid net synthesis to slow net mobilisation of sucrose, (iii) The cotyledons contained adequate activities of sucrose synthase, acid and alkaline invertase and sucrose-phosphate synthase to catalyse the observed rate of sucrose breakdown and synthesis, respectively. The extracted activities of the degradative enzymes did not change after inhibiting phloem transport. The maximum activity of sucrose-phosphate synthase was also unaltered, but the activity measured in the presence of limiting substrates and phosphate was decreased twofold, indicating that sucrose-phosphate synthase has been deactivated by a mechanism analogous to that occurring in spinach leaves. (iv) The switch from sucrose export to starch synthesis when phloem transport was prevented was accompanied by only a small (20–50%) increase of the sucrose concentration in the cotyledons, no change of hexose-phosphates, an increase (16–70%) of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate and triosephosphate, and a small decrease (15–30%) of glycerate-3-phosphate, glycerate-2-phosphate and phosphoenolpyruvate. Fructose-2,6-bisphosphate and pyrophosphate doubled when 10 mM phosphate was included in the medium bathing the cotyledons, but not when phosphate was omitted (v) It is concluded that a futile cycle involving simultaneous synthesis and degradation of sucrose allows sucrose metabolism to respond in an extremely sensitive manner when phloem export is inhibited. There is a dramatic switch of flux through the sucrose pool, even though there are only marginal changes in the concentrations of sucrose and metabolites, or in the rate of respiration.

Effects of sucrose on starch accumulation and rate of photosynthesis in Rosa cultured in vitro

Abstract: Shootlets of Rosa multiflora L. cv. Montse were cultured in vitro with four different levels of sucrose (0, 1, 3 and 5%). Chloroplasts of shootlets grown in a medium without sucrose contained numerous, large plastoglobuli and were lacking in starch granules. The size and number of starch granules increased with the level of sucrose in the culture medium. Starch content in leaves of shootlets grown with 5% sucrose was higher (ca 1, 3%) than those grown with 3% (ca 0, 45%) and 1% sucrose (ca 0, 27%). Starch might be used by the in vitro shootlets during the acclimation period.

Effects of low nitrate and high sugar concentrations on anthocyanin content and composition of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cell suspension.

Abstract: In pigmented cells of Vitis vinifera suspension cultures, best accumulation of anthocyanins was obtained when nitrate concentration was reduced from 25 mM to 6.25 mM and when sucrose concentration was increased from 88 mM to 132 mM. Under such conditions growth was greatly decreased. However, cell viability was maintained. The increases in anthocyanins in pigmented cells were due largely to increases in peonidin — glucoside. The high sucrose and the low nitrate concentrations can be one of the important culture factors in controlling of anthocyanin production by cell cultures.

Sucrose-Induced Accumulation of β-Amylase Occurs Concomitant with the Accumulation of Starch and Sporamin in Leaf-Petiole Cuttings of Sweet Potato

Abstract: β-Amylase of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.), which constitutes about 5% of the total soluble protein of the tuberous root, is absent or is present in only small amounts in organs other than the tuberous roots of the normal, field-grown plants. However, when leaf-petiole cuttings from such plants were supplied with a solution that contained sucrose, the accumulation of β-amylase was induced in both leaf and petiole portions of the explants. The sucrose-induced accumulation of β-amylase in leaf-petiole cuttings occurred concomitant with the accumulation of starch and of sporamin, the most abundant storage protein of the tuberous root. The accumulation of β-amylase, of sporamin and of starch in the petioles showed similar dependence on the concentration of sucrose, and a 6% solution of sucrose gave the highest levels of induction when assayed after 7 days of treatment. The induction of mRNAs for β-amylase and sporamin in the petiole could be detected after 6 hours of treatment with sucrose, and the accumulation of β-amylase and sporamin polypeptides, as well as that of starch, continued for a further 3 weeks. In addition to sucrose, glucose or fructose, but not mannitol or sorbitol, also induced the accumulation of β-amylase and sporamin, suggesting that metabolic effects of sucrose are important in the mechanism of this induction. Treatment of leaf-petiole cuttings with water under continuous light, but not in darkness, also caused the accumulation of small amounts of these components in the petioles, probably as a result of the endogenous supply of sucrose by photosynthesis. These results suggest that the expression of the gene for β-amylase is under metabolic control which is coupled with the expression of sink function of cells in the sweet potato.

Sucrose storage in cell suspension cultures of Saccharum sp. (sugarcane) is regulated by a cycle of synthesis and degradation.

Abstract: We have investigated the regulation of sucrose storage in cell-suspension cultures of sugarcane. When grown in batch culture, sucrose accumulation commences after about 5 d, when the nitrogen supply is exhausted. Sucrose storage is also induced by decreasing the nitrogen supply to cells growing in a chemostat. The measured activity of sucrose-phosphate synthase is high enough to account for the rate of sucrose accumulation, provided precautions are taken to avoid the hydrolysis of UDP during the assay. The cells contained high sucrose-synthase activity but pulsing experiments with [14C]glucose and unlabelled fructose indicated that this enzyme did not contribute substantially to the synthesis of sucrose, because the glucosyl and fructosyl moieties of sucrose were equally labelled. Several lines of evidence demonstrate the presence of a cycle in which sucrose is synthesized and degraded simultaneously; sucrosephosphate-synthase activity doubles during the phase when the cells are actively storing sucrose but activity is also high after storage has ceased, or when the sucrose is being remobilised; pulse experiments with [14C]fructose also showed that sucrose synthesis occurs not only during the storage phase, but also after storage has stopped and during the rapid mobilisation of sucrose; the cells contain high activities of sucrose synthase and alkaline invertase and these are both at a maximum when sucrose storage is occurring; even during the storage phase. [14C]fructose pulses lead to labelling of free glucose which is evidence for rapid synthesis and degradation of sucrose. It is proposed that the rate and extent of sucrose storage is regulated by this cycle of synthesis and degradation. Measurements of enzyme activities and metabolite levels are presented, and it is discussed which factors could contribute to the regulation of these two opposing fluxes and, hence, the rate of net sucrose storage and mobilisation.

Effect of sugars and maillard reaction products on polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activity in food

Abstract: The effect of glucose, fructose and sucrose aqueous solutions on polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activity was studied. Solutions with high concentrations of sugars showed a slight inhibiting effect on PPO while an activation was observed for POD. Glucose solutions, tested after sufficient heat treatments, showed an inhibiting action only on PPO activity. Maillard reaction products, obtained by heating a glucose/glycine solution, caused an unexpectedly strong inhibiting effect on both enzymes. The inhibition became more evident with increasing heating times of the glucose/glycine solution, reducing the activity of PPO and POD nearly to zero. Thus, the Maillard reaction products, already known for their antioxidant properties, were also shown to have a strong inhibiting effect on enzymatic browning.

Carbohydrate metabolism during fruit development in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants

Abstract: Growth, accumulation of sugars and starch, and the activity of enzymes involved in sucrose mobilization were determined throughout the development of sweet pepper fruits. Fruit development was roughly divided into three phases: (1) an initial phase with high relative growth rate and hexose accumulation, (2) a phase with declining growth rate and accumulation of sucrose and starch, and (3) a ripening phase with no further fresh weight increase and with accumulation of hexoses, while sucrose and starch were degraded. Acid and neutral invertase (EC 3.2.1.26) were closely correlated to relative growth rate until ripening and inversly correlated to the accumulation of sucrose. Acid invertase specifically increased during ripening, concurrently with the accumulation of hexoses. Sucrose synthase (EC 2.4.1.13) showed little correlation to fruit development, and in periods of rapid growth the activity of sucrose synthase was low compared to the invertases. However, during late fruit growth sucose synthase was more active than the invertases. We conclude that invertase activities determine the accumulation of assimilates in the very young fruits, and a reactivation of acid invertase is responsible for the accumulation of hexoses during ripening. During late fruit growth, before ripening, sucrose synthase is transiently responsible for the sucrose breakdown in the fruit tissue. Results also indicate that pyrophosphate-dependent phosphofructokinase (EC 2.7.1.90) and its activator fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (Fru2,6bisP) are involved in the regulation of the sink metabolism of the fruit tissue.

Effects of Exposure of Wheat Ears to High Temperature on Dry Matter Accumulation and Carbohydrate Metabolism in the Grain of Two Cultivars. I. Immediate Responses

Abstract: Ears of wheat were exposed for up to 7 days during the grain-filling stage to high temperature (35oC day/25oC night) and metabolic responses in the grain were compared to those in ears maintained at lower temperatures (21oC day/16oC night). Two cultivars of wheat known to differ in their post-anthesis tolerance of high temperature were compared. Raising the temperature resulted in a small increase in the rate of dry matter accumulation: both cultivars responded similarly. Sucrose content of the endosperm was either not affected or increased by raising the temperature. Raising the temperature had differential effects on glucose and fructose content: fructose was substantially reduced while glucose was either unaffected or slightly increased. After raising the temperature the concentrations of all three hexose phosphates measured, glucose-6-phosphate (G-6-P), glucose-1-phosphate (G-1-P) and fructose-6-phosphate (F-6-P), were reduced similarly on a percentage basis and to about the same extent as fructose. The concentration of the sugar nucleotide (UDP-glucose) resulting from the breakdown of sucrose by sucrose synthase was also reduced at high temperature. Judging from calculated mass-action ratios, all three catalytic steps involved in the interconversion of the metabolites mentioned above were close to equilibrium, and only one mass action ratio (for sucrose synthase) was affected by heating: it was doubled. Although temperature clearly resulted in changes in the reaction catalysed by sucrose synthase, it was not clear how temperature had acted. Concentration of the precursor for starch synthesis (ADP-glucose) was slightly lower in both cultivars at the higher temperature. Taken together the responses could provide at least a partial explanation for the smallness of the increase in starch deposition with increase in temperature, but do not explain the different responses of these two cultivars to high temperature.

Comparison of the effect of rapidly and gradually developing water-stress on carbohydrate-metabolism in spinach leaves

Abstract: . The effect of water-stress on photosynthetic carbon metabolism in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) has been studied in experiments in which water-stress was induced rapidly by floating leaf discs on sorbitol solutions or wilting detached leaves, and in experiments in which water-stress was allowed to develop gradually in whole plants as the soil dried out. In both short- and long-term water stress, the rate of photosynthesis in saturating CO2 did not decrease until leaf water potential decreased below -1.0 MPa. However, at smaller water deficits there was already an inhibition of starch synthesis, while sucrose synthesis remained constant or increased. This change in partitioning was accompanied by an increase in activation of sucrose-phosphate synthase (revealed as an increase in activity assayed in the presence of low hexose-phosphate and inorganic phosphate, while the activity assayed with saturating hexosephosphates remained unaltered). Water-stressed leaves had a two- to three-fold higher sucrose content at the end of the night, and contained less starch than non-stressed leaves. When leaves were held in the dark, sucrose was mobilized initially, while starch was not mobilized until the sucrose had decreased to a low level; in water-stressed leaves, starch mobilization commenced at a two-fold higher sucrose content. It is concluded that water-stressed leaves maintain higher sucrose and lower starch levels than non-stressed leaves. This response is found in rapid and long-term stress, and represents an inherent response to water deficits.

Sucrose Utilization of the Ectomycorrhizal Fungi Amanita muscaria and Hebeloma crustuliniforme Depends on the Cell Wall-bound Invertase Activity of their Host Picea abies

Abstract: The role of apoplastic invertase (β-d-fructofuranoside — fructohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.26) of the host Picea abies for carbohydrate uptake and growth of two of its natural ectomycorrhiza partners was studied. For that purpose, hyphae of Amanita muscaria (Pers. ex Fries) Hock. and Hebeloma crustuliniforme (Bull. ex Fries) Quell., as well as roots and suspension cultured cells of Picea abies (L.) Karst. were used. Apoplastic invertase activity was demonstrated on roots and suspension cultured cells of spruce (in the latter case with 21.7 nkat (g fresh weight)−1). Inhibition of the root cell wall invertase activity (pH optimum 4.5) by increasing the apoplastic pH allowed determination of the permanent release of sucrose from the root. However, under in vivo conditions at a lower cell wall pH the hydrolysation products glucose and fructose were predominantly found. In contrast to spruce cells and certain fungi, such as Saccharomyces (Novick et al., 1981) or Phycomyces (Ruiz-Herrera et al., 1989) invertase activity of the mycorrhizal fungi Hebeloma and Amanita was negligibly low. Furthermore, sucrose could not be consumed by Amanita and Hebeloma. As a consequence, cultures of these mycorrhizal fungi starved when kept on media with sucrose as sole carbohydrate source. But addition of invertase initiated hyphal growth immediately. Studies on carbohydrate uptake of host and fungal cells confirmed that the monosaccharides glucose and fructose were readily incorporated by spruce and fungal cells, with a clear preference for glucose. From these results it is suggested that apoplastic invertase activity of the host Picea abies is a precondition for the utilization of sucrose by the studied mycorrhizal fungi during the nutritional interaction of the symbiotic partners.

Pathways of starch and sucrose biosynthesis in developing tubers of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and seeds of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) : Elucidation by (13)C-nuclear-magnetic-resonance spectroscopy.

Abstract: Tissue slices from developing potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.) and developing cotyledons of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) were incubated with specifically labelled [13C]glucose and [13C]ribose. Enriched[13C]glucose released from starch granules was analysed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Spectral analyses were also performed on sucrose purified by high-performance liquid chromatography. In both tissues a low degree of randomisation (< 11 % in potato and < 14% in Vicia) was observed between carbon positions 1 and 6 in glucose released from starch when material was incubated with [13C]glucose labelled in positions 6 and 1, respectively. Similarly, with [2-13C]glucose a low degree of randomisation was observed in position 5. These findings indicate that extensive transport of three-carbon compounds across the amyloplast membrane does not occur in storage organs of either species. This is in agreement with previously published data which indicates that sixcarbon compounds are transported into the plastids during active starch synthesis. When [1-13C]ribose was used as a substrate, 13C-NMR spectra of starch indicated the operation of a classical pentose-phosphate pathway. However, with [2-13C]glucose there was no preferential enrichment in either carbon positions 1 or 3 relative to 4 or 6 of sucrose and starch (glucose). This provides evidence that entry of glucose in this pathway may be restricted in vivo. In both faba bean and potato the distribution of isotope between glucosyl and fructosyl moieties of sucrose approximated 50%. The degree of randomisation within glucosyl and fructosyl moieties ranged between 11 and 19.5%, indicating extensive recycling of triose phosphates.

Effects of Sink Removal and Sucrose Flux on Sucrose-Degrading Enzymes

Abstract: Excision of developing potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers from the mother plant, followed by storage at 100C, resulted in a rapid, substantial decrease in sucrose synthase activity and considerable increases in hexose content and acid invertase activity. A comparison of the response of three genotypes, known to accumulate different quantities of hexoses in storage, showed that both sucrose synthase activity and the extent to which activity declined following excision were similar in all cases. However, there was significant genotypic variation in the extent to which acid invertase activity developed, with tubers accumulating the highest hexose content also developing the highest extractable activity of invertase. Similar effects were found in nondetached tubers when growing plants were maintained in total darkness for a prolonged period. Furthermore, supplying sucrose to detached tubers through the cut stolon surface prevented the decline in sucrose synthase activity. Maltose proved to be ineffective. Western blots using antibodies raised against maize sucrose synthase showed that the decline in sucrose synthase activity was associated with the loss of protein rather than the effect of endogenous inhibitors. Although there were indications that maintaining a flux of sucrose into isolated tubers could prevent the increase in acid invertase activity, the results were not conclusive.

Carbohydrate requirements for the development of black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) and red spruce (P. rubens Sarg.) somatic embryos

Abstract: Different carbohydrates were investigated for somatic embryo development of black spruce and red spruce. They were tested in a basal maturation medium consisting of Litvay's salts at half-strength containing 1 g l-1 glutamine, 1 g l-1 casein hydrolysate, 7.5 μM abscisic acid, and 0.9% Difco Bacto-agar. A comparison of different sucrose concentrations showed that 6% was optimal for embryo development. Among the nine carbohydrates tested, sucrose, fructose, glucose, maltose, and cellobiose supported embryo development while arabinose, mannitol, myo-inositol, and sorbitol did not. A comparison of sucrose, glucose, and fructose at three concentrations showed that the general pattern of response for both species followed concentration expressed as a percentage, independent of the molarity of carbohydrate in the medium. Interspecific differences were observed concerning carbohydrate requirements. For red spruce, 6% fructose was found best for embryo development, while no such preference was observed for black spruce. No significant difference was observed in the number of embryos produced with 6% sucrose or 3% sucrose plus an equimolar concentration of either mannitol, sorbitol, or myo-inositol in the maturation medium, suggesting that the effect of the carbohydrate on the maturation was partly osmotic.

Low sugar and osmotic requirements for shoot regeneration from leaf pieces of Solanum melongena L.

Abstract: Uniform leaf pieces of egg-plant, Solanum melongena L., were cultured in Murashige and Skoog's medium containing 2 mg l-1 kinetin and varying sugar levels. Glucose or fructose at 44 mM was optimal in inducing shoot regeneration compared to sucrose. Sucrose at 11 and 22 mM induced more shoot organogenesis than at lower or higher levels. An additional 22 mM mannitol with 22 mM sucrose enhanced shoot regeneration significantly more than 22 mM sucrose alone. The dual role of sugar as carbon and osmotic source in shoot regeneration from leaf explants of egg-plant is discussed.

Fructose and sucrose feeding during pregnancy and lactation in rats changes maternal and pup fuel metabolism.

Abstract: We examined the effects of feeding a fructose, sucrose or reference diet during gestation and lactation on blood substrate levels and insulin sensitivity in rat adipose tissue. Female rats were fed either 50% fructose or 50% sucrose purified diets or a nonpurified diet ad libitum during gestation and lactation. Fasting blood samples were taken on d 10 of gestation and one oral glucose tolerance test was conducted on d 19 of gestation, with a second test performed on the day of weaning. All dams were killed 2 d after weaning. During gestation, fructose feeding induced hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia in early pregnancy (d 10) relative to sucrose-fed rats, and hypotriglyceridemia in late pregnancy (d 19) as compared with the group fed the reference diet. Compared with the reference group, sucrose feeding also caused hypotriglyceridemia during late pregnancy. Pups delivered to fructose-fed dams were hyperglycemic at birth. In comparison with the reference group, fructose-fed dams were hypoglycemic, whereas sucrose-fed dams were hypertriglyceridemic at weaning. There was no difference in each of the two oral glucose tolerance test responses between the three groups after adjusting for the baseline difference in glucose levels. However, lipid synthesis in isolated fat cells in response to insulin stimulation was significantly lower in fructose-fed and sucrose-fed rats relative to the reference group.

Invertase Activity and Growth of Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) Shoot Cultures

Abstract: The influence of different sugars on shoot multiplication in vitro and on the activity of invertase was studied with sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) cultures. The sugars sucrose, glucose and fructose, and the sugar alcohol sorbitol, were investigated at a wide range of concentrations. The optimum concentrations of all carbon sources were 2% and 3% (w/v). Sucrose and glucose favoured a similar rate of proliferation. However, in the presence of fructose, proliferation was lowest but was coupled with the highest frequency of formation of long shoots. The highest activity of total invertase was for tissues growing on a sucrose-containing medium while, in a sugar-free medium, invertase activity was mainly found in the 'salt extracted' fraction. In the remaining treatments, 'soluble invertase' dominated. For each sugar investigated, the activity of both forms of invertase was significantly higher at 2% than at 3% (w/v) sugar.

Changes in carbohydrate and enzyme levels during development of leaves of Prunus persica, a sorbitol synthesizing species

Abstract: Carbohydrate levels and activities of enzymes associated with starch, sucrose and sorbitol metabolism were assayed in leaves of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch cv. Redhaven] of different ages, in order to examine developmental changes in leaf carbohydrate metabolism. Dry matter, soluble protein, chlorophyll and the activities of key enzymes of the reductive pentose phosphate pathway increased during leaf development. The levels of leaf carbohydrates, especially sorbitol and starch, also increased. Changes of starch levels were related to increases in the activities of enzymes associated to starch metabolism, such as ADPglucose-pyrophosphorylase (E.C. 2.7.7.27) and amylase (E.C. 3.2.1.1. plus E.C. 3.2.1.2). The activities of enzymes involved in sucrose and sorbitol degradation decreased during leaf development, whereas the activities of aldose-6-phosphate reductase (E.C. 1.1.1.200) and cytosolic fructase-1,6-bisphosphatase (E.C. 3.1.3.11) increased. In contrast, the activity of sucrose-phosphate synthase (E.C. 2.4.1.14) did not vary in a significant manner. The results suggest that the ability to synthesize and utilize both sucrose and sorbitol changes as peach leaves mature, and also that there are differences in metabolism of these two transport sugars during leaf development.

Influence of Different Carbon Sources on Invertase Activity and Growth of Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) Shoot Cultures

Abstract: The influence of different sugars on shoot multiplication in vitro and on the activity of invertase was studied with sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) cultures. The sugars sucrose, glucose and fructose, and the sugar alcohol sorbitol, were investigated at a wide range of concentrations. The optimum concentrations of all carbon sources were 2% and 3% (w/v). Sucrose and glucose favoured a similar rate of proliferation. However, in the presence of fructose, proliferation was lowest but was coupled with the highest frequency of formation of long shoots. The highest activity of total invertase was for tissues growing on a sucrose-containing medium while, in a sugar-free medium, invertase activity was mainly found in the 'salt extracted' fraction. In the remaining treatments, 'soluble invertase' dominated. For each sugar investigated, the activity of both forms of invertase was significantly higher at 2% than at 3% (w/v) sugar.

Sugar and Nonvolatile Acid Composition of Persimmons During Maturation

Abstract: Sugars and nonvolatile acids of Japanese persimmons were identified and quantitated by GLC as oxime-TMS derivatives. Sugars quantitated were arabinose, galactose, glucose, fructose and sucrose. Fructose, glucose and sucrose were predominant and present in all cultivars from mature green to fully ripe. Quantities of all sugars varied significantly by cultivar and maturity. Nonvolatile acids quantitated were succinic, malic, citric, and quinic. Malic was the predominant acid in all cultivars followed by citric. Quantities of malic increased with maturity; citric decreased. Sorbitol and inositol were present in minor quantities and varied significantly by cultivar and maturity stage.

Sweet potato flavor: quantitative and qualitative assessment of optimum sweetness

Abstract: Information on the preferred sugar content would be invaluable in defining flavor criteria and goals for sweet potato breeding programs. By using a sweet potato breeding line that was essentially nonsweet and adding known levels of individual sugars to a puree produced from its baked roots, a quantitative and qualitative assessment of optimum sweetness was made. Panelists were able to distinguish sweetness level in 2.5% increments of added maltose between 10 and 25%. When individual sugars were compared at the same level of sweetness [sucrose equivalents (SE)], panelists consistently ranked the sugars in the following order of preference: maltose > sucrose > fructose. When purees with the same concentration of added maltose or fructose were compared, optimum sweetness for maltose was approximately 21 SE while fructose was 38 SE. Higher levels were considered excessively sweet, thus it is theoretically possible to select sweet potato lines that are too sweet. While lines could be selected for high levels of sucrose and/or fructose. starch hydrolysis and maltose formation appear to be important in sweet potato flavor quality.