Induction of Furano-terpene Production and Formation of the Enzyme System from Mevalonate to Isopentenyl Pyrophosphate in Sweet Potato Root Tissue Injured by Ceratocystis fimbriata and by Toxic Chemicals

摘要

When sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) root tissue was infected by Ceratocystis fimbriata, activity of the enzyme system from mevalonate to isopentenyl pyrophosphate, especially of pyrophosphomevalonate decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.33), was increased in the noninfected tissue adjacent to the infected region, preceding the furano-terpene production in the infected region. Cutting and incubation of sweet potato slices did not produce furano-terpenes, and only slightly increased the activity of the enzyme system from mevalonate to isopentenyl pyrophosphate. The enzymic activity in diseased tissue was localized in the soluble fraction, and was higher in the tissue from the surface to a depth of about 5 mm with gradual decrease toward the inner part.