Abstract The biosynthesis of deidaclin in Turnera angustifolia and of linamarin in Passiflora morifolia were investigated using intact plant tissues. Radiolabelled precursors, 2-(2′- cyclopentenyl)[2-14 C] glycine and l-[U-14 C]-valine were fed to freshly harvested shoots either alone or together with the presumed nitrile intermediates, 2-cyclopentenecarbonitrile and 2-methylpropanenitrile. The cyanohydrin glucosides were isolated and purified, and ...