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A relatively recent technique termed comprehensive multiphase (CMP) NMR spectroscopy was used to investigate the growth and associated metabolomic changes of 13C-labeled wheat seeds and germinated seedlings. CMP-NMR enables the study of all phases in intact samples (i.e., liquid, gel-like, semisolid, and solid), by combining all required electronics into a single NMR probe, and can be used for investigating biological processes such as seed germination. All components, from the most liquid-like (i.e., dissolved metabolites) to the most rigid or solid-like (seed coat) were monitored in situ over 4 days. A wide range of metabolites were identified, and after 96 h of germination, the number of metabolites in the mobile phase more than doubled in comparison to 0 h (dry seed). This work represents the first application of CMP-NMR to follow biological processes in plants.

With the ever-advancing lignocellulose valorization strategies, lignin analyses need to advance as well. However, lignin quantification still heavily relies on unspecific, time- and sample-consuming gravimetric, and spectrophotometric analyses. Here, we demonstrate that lignin isolates from uniformly 13C-labeled wheat straw, willow, and douglas fir serve as "ideal" internal standards for pyrolysis gas chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (py-GC-HR-MS) analyses of plant biomass, allowing the accurate and precise quantification and structural characterization of lignin in grasses, hardwoods, and softwoods. The 13C lignin internal standards were comprehensively structurally characterized by HSQC NMR and py-GC-HR-MS analyses, and their application for lignin quantification was validated in biomass model systems and in actual plant biomass. For all botanical origins and species, the lignin content was determined within 5% relative deviation of the Klason benchmark. These results establish the capability of the developed analytical platform to selectively quantify and structurally characterize lignin simultaneously and demonstrate a valuable addition to the lignin analysis toolbox.

Understanding the mechanisms underlying plant biomass recalcitrance at the molecular level can only be achieved by accurate analyses of both the content and structural features of the molecules involved. Current quantification of lignin is, however, majorly based on unspecific gravimetric analysis after sulfuric acid hydrolysis. Hence, our research aimed at specific lignin quantification with concurrent characterization of its structural features. Hereto, for the first time, a polymeric 13C lignin was used as internal standard (IS) for lignin quantification via analytical pyrolysis coupled to gas chromatography with mass-spectrometric detection in selected ion monitoring mode (py-GC-SIM-MS). In addition, relative response factors (RRFs) for the various pyrolysis products obtained were determined and applied. First, 12C and 13C lignin were isolated from nonlabeled and uniformly 13C labeled wheat straw, respectively, and characterized by heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and py-GC/MS. The two lignin isolates were found to have identical structures. Second, 13C-IS based lignin quantification by py-GC-SIM-MS was validated in reconstituted biomass model systems with known contents of the 12C lignin analogue and was shown to be extremely accurate (>99.9%, R2 > 0.999) and precise (RSD < 1.5%). Third, 13C-IS based lignin quantification was applied to four common poaceous biomass sources (wheat straw, barley straw, corn stover, and sugar cane bagasse), and lignin contents were in good agreement with the total gravimetrically determined lignin contents. Our robust method proves to be a promising alternative for the high-throughput quantification of lignin in milled biomass samples directly and simultaneously provides a direct insight into the structural features of lignin. (Figure Presented).

Seeds are complex entities composed of liquids, gels, and solids. NMR spectroscopy is a powerful tool for studying molecular structure but has evolved into two fields, solution and solid state. Comprehensive multiphase (CMP) NMR spectroscopy is capable of liquid-, gel-, and solid-state experiments for studying intact samples where all organic components are studied and differentiated in situ. Herein, intact 13C-labeled seeds were studied by a variety of 1D/2D 1H/13C experiments. In the mobile phase, an assortment of metabolites in a single 13C-labeled wheat seed were identified; the gel phase was dominated by triacylglycerides; the semisolid phase was composed largely of carbohydrate biopolymers, and the solid phase was greatly influenced by starchy endosperm signals. Subsequently, the seeds were compared and relative similarities and differences between seed types discussed. This study represents the first application of CMP-NMR to food chemistry and demonstrates its general utility and feasibility for s...

The isothiocyanate sulforaphane, present in significant amounts in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) seedlings in the form of its precursor glucoraphanin, has been identified as an inducer of quinine reductase, a phase-II detoxification enzyme known for its anticarcinogenic properties. Its concentration in broccoli seedlings usually decreases during the first 7-14 days after germination. No conclusive data on sulforaphane metabolism in seedlings are available in the literature. Here, we unambiguously demonstrate in C-12/C-13-cross experiments that sulforaphane is not biosynthesised de novo during the first week of seedling development. Both C-12 (99 atom% C-12) and C-13 (98 atom% C-13) broccoli seeds were produced and subsequently germinated and grown either in a (CO2)-C-13 or a (CO2)-C-12 environment. Afterwards, the labelling degree of sulforaphane in seeds and in seedlings was analysed by HPLC-MS. We conclude that sulforaphane exclusively originates from seed reserves and that de novo biosynthesis is not detectable (

Seeds are complex entities composed of liquids, gels, and solids. NMR spectroscopy is a powerful tool for studying molecular structure but has evolved into two fields, solution and solid state. Comprehensive multiphase (CMP) NMR spectroscopy is capable of liquid-, gel-, and solid-state experiments for studying intact samples where all organic components are studied and differentiated in situ. Herein, intact (13)C-labeled seeds were studied by a variety of 1D/2D (1)H/(13)C experiments. In the mobile phase, an assortment of metabolites in a single (13)C-labeled wheat seed were identified; the gel phase was dominated by triacylglycerides; the semisolid phase was composed largely of carbohydrate biopolymers, and the solid phase was greatly influenced by starchy endosperm signals. Subsequently, the seeds were compared and relative similarities and differences between seed types discussed. This study represents the first application of CMP-NMR to food chemistry and demonstrates its general utility and feasibility for studying intact heterogeneous samples.

The quantitative significance of reserves and current assimilates in regrowing tillers of severely defoliated plants of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenneL.) was assessed by a new approach, comprising13C/12C and 15N/14N steady-state labeling and separation of sink and source zones. The functionally distinct zones showed large differences in the kinetics of currently assimilated C and N. These are interpreted in terms of ”substrate” and ”tissue” flux among zones and C and N turnover within zones. Tillers refoliated rapidly, although C and N supply was initially decreased. Rapid refoliation was associated with (a) transient depletion of water-soluble carbohydrates and dilution of structural biomass in the immature zone of expanding leaves, (b) rapid transition to current assimilation-derived growth, and (c) rapid reestablishment of a balanced C:N ratio in growth substrate. This balance (C:N, approximately 8.9 [w/w] in new biomass) indicated coregulation of growth by C and N supply and resulted from complementary fluxes of reserve- and current assimilation-derived C and N. Reserves were the dominant N source until approximately 3 d after defoliation. Amino-C constituted approximately 60% of the net influx of reserve C during the first 2 d. Carbohydrate reserves were an insignificant source of C for tiller growth after d 1. We discuss the physiological mechanisms contributing to defoliation tolerance.

Contains fulltext : 35312.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) The results of a single publication stating that terrestrial plants emit methane has sparked a discussion in several scientific journals, but an independent test has not yet been performed. Here it is shown, with the use of the stable isotope C-13 and a laser-based measuring technique, that there is no evidence for substantial aerobic methane emission by terrestrial plants, maximally 0.3% (0.4 ng g(-1) h(-1)) of the previously published values. Data presented here indicate that the contribution of terrestrial plants to global methane emission is very small at best. Therefore, a revision of carbon sequestration accounting practices based on the earlier reported contribution of methane from terrestrial vegetation is redundant.

The control of electron flow through the cytochrome and alternative pathways was studied in intact roots of Plantago lanceolata L., P. major L. ssp. major and Pisum sativum L. cv. Rondo, grown either on nitrate or on ammonium. Root respiration in these species was highly resistant to 0.2 mM cyanide and sensitive to 25 mM salicylhydroxamate (SHAM). The uncoupler carbonyl cyanide-m-chlorophenyl-hydrazone (CCCP) stimulated root respiration to the same extent in nitrate- and ammonium-grown plants. In the presence of SHAM, root respiration was not stimulated by CCCP. It is, therefore, suggested that in the presence of SHAM the cytochrome path operates at a rate determined by the Vmax of at least one of its carriers. The sum of the capacities of the alternative and the cytochrome pathways, as determined with 0.2 mM KCN and 25 mM SHAM respectively, was less than the uncoupled rate of root respiration. It is therefore suggested that part of the root oxygen uptake is sensitive to both KCN and SHAM. With increasing age the activity of the alternative path decreased in both Plantago species.

Using an open air flow system, differences in the yellowing rate of leaves during curing were assessed in relation to ethylene production by shoots of intact seedlings or attached mature leaves of 60 day old tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants. The rate of ethylene evolution from the leaves of the fast yellowing cultivars was significantly higher than in the slow yellowing ones. The same differences were obtained with shoots of intact seedlings. The findings suggest that it is possible to use ethylene production by seedlings as a selection criterion in screening for genotypic differences in the rate of yellowing. The ability of carbon dioxide (1%) to enhance ethylene production by attached leaves was significant in a slow, but not in a fast yellowing cultivar. However, similar amounts of ethylene were produced on administration of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid to a slow and a fast yellowing cultivar. Exposure of attached leaves to exogenous ethylene (0.1 microliter per liter) accelerated the loss of chlorophyll and protein. This treatment was effective only for slightly yellow leaves and not for fully expanded green ones. The significance and possible use of ethylene in the flue-curing process are discussed.

The contribution of the alternative pathway in root respiration of Pisum sativum L. cv Rondo, Plantago lanceolata L., and Plantago major L. ssp major was determined by titration with salicylhydroxamate (SHAM) in the absence and presence of cyanide. SHAM completely inhibited the cyanide-resistant component of root respiration at 5 to 10 millimolar with an apparent K(i) of 600 micromolar. In contrast, SHAM enhanced pea root respiration by 30% at most, at concentrations below 15 millimolar. An unknown oxidase appeared to be responsible for this stimulation. Its maximum activity in the presence of low SHAM concentrations (1-5 millimolar) was 40% of control respiration rate in pea roots, since 25 millimolar SHAM resulted in 10% inhibition. In plantain roots, the maximum activity was found to be 15%. This hydroxamate-activated oxidase was distinct from the cytochrome path by its resistance to antimycin. The results of titrations with cyanide and antimycin indicated that high SHAM concentrations (up to 25 millimolar) block the hydroxamate-activated oxidase, but do not affect the cytochrome path and, therefore, are a reliable tool for estimating the activity of the alternative path in vivo. A considerable fraction of root respiration was mediated by the alternative path in plantain (45%) and pea (15%), in the latter because of the saturation of the cytochrome path.

This paper discusses some aspects of the energy metabolism in nodulated roots. It is the aim to address the problem if the supply of photosynthates to the nodulated roots or the production of metabolic energy in respiratory pathways limits the rate of N2-fixation in nodulated roots of vegetative Pisum sativum plants. Our approach involves the determination of the activity and/or capacity of the electron transport pathways in pea roots. Hence some information is included on the non-phosphorylating CN-resistant electron transport pathway -the alternative path- and the regulation of electron transport via the phosphorylating cytochrome path. For further details, see Laties 1982, Lambers 1982 and Day, Lambers 1983.

The aim of this brief review is to discuss some intriguing new developments which should receive more attention, and to indicate some areas where rapid progress could be made if biochemists, physiologists and biophysists would join forces. The subject of plant growth and respiration has been extensively reviewed during the last few years, including quantitative aspects like growth- and maintenance respiration (Lambers 1985, Lambers et al. 1983, Ryle 1984), carbon economy and nitrogen metabolism (Minchin et al. 1981, Ryle 1984, Schubert and Ryle 1984), and the energetics of ion transport (Clarkson 1985, Lin 1985, Veen 1980, 1981) and more specific aspects like respiration and senescence (Rhodes 1980), seed germination and respiration (Perl 1986), influences of biotic and abiotic environmental factors (Lambers 1985, 1986), and the physiological significance of CN-resistant respiration (Day et al. 1980, Lambers 1980,1982,1985, Laties 1982, Siedow and Berthold 1986). In view of the overwhelming amount of published work on the various aspects of the relation between growth and respiration, I will mainly deal with a subjective selection of interesting physiological and biochemical topics that have emerged recently. The title wants to express an ultimate goal, rather than our present knowledge, as noted by Beevers (1985) in his foreword to Vol. 18 of the Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology.

Growth and efficiency of root respiration were investigated in Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska and cv. Rondo. Plants were grown in culture solutions, either in symbiosis with Rhizobium leguminosanm, or with an abundant supply of nitrate or ammonium and completely lacking nodules. In comparison with plants utilizing nitrate or ammonium, Ni-fixing plants showed lower rates of dry matter and nitrogen accumulation, as well as lower rates of total and cytochrome-mediated root respiration. Rates of shoot dry matter accumulation and root respiration in plants utilizing ammonium were lower than in plants utilizing nitrate. The efficiency of root respiration was high in N2-fixing plants, as indicated by a low activity of the SHAM-sensitive, alternative, non-phosphorylating pathway. In nitrate and ammonium grown plants of cv. Alaska, the efficiency of root respiration was about the same, and in both cases lower than in N2-fixing plants. The efficiency of root respiration in non-symbiotically grown pea plants was generally higher than in many non-legumes. Comparison of the ATP costs of synthesis of root dry matter for different N-sources was complicated by large differences in relative growth rate of the root and in shoot to root ratio between N-treatments. A quantitative correction of the ATP production during synthesis of root dry matter for differences in shoot to root ratio and root maintenance respiration has been made. It is concluded that ATP costs of root dry matter production are highest in the case of N2-fixing plants. In plants utilizing ammonium, ATP costs of synthesis of root dry matter were slightly lower than in plants utilizing nitrate. The physiological significance of the alternative pathway in root metabolism is discussed in relation to the assimilation of different sources of nitrogen.

Changes in the efficiency of root respiration were examined on intact plants of Pisum sativum L. cv Rondo after addition of nitrate or ammonium to the culture solutions. Nitrate was absorbed immediately after addition and elicited a respiratory rise (O(2)-uptake as well as CO(2)-production) to 160% at most. This occurred both in roots of plants fixing N(2) and in those of non-nodulated plants pregrown for 1 or 2 weeks on a nitrogen-free culture solution. In older plants, used after 2 weeks of N-free growth, the full capacity of the cytochrome path was engaged in root respiration. This was demonstrated by the absence of an effect of the uncoupler carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone in the presence of 25 millimolar salicylhydroxamate, an inhibitor of the alternative path. In these plants more than 90% of the nitrate-induced stimulation of root respiration was salicylhydroxamate-sensitive. In young plants, used after 1 week of N-free growth, the cytochrome path was not saturated. Its activity increased instantaneously at the expense of alternative path activity, which initially dropped to zero and subsequently increased to 160% of the control 7 hours after nitrate supply. The rate of photosynthesis rose to 120% of the control, but not before 1 hour after nitrate supply, suggesting that the stimulation of root respiration was not due to a higher rate of photosynthesis. Experiments with plants grown with a split-root system showed that respiration rate and alternative path activity only increased in the root halves exposed to nitrogen. Ammonium was equally effective as nitrate in stimulating root respiration. These results lead to the conclusion that alternative-path mediated root respiration contributes to synthesis of ATP during at least the first 24 hours following nitrogen supply.