Acta Biochimica Polonica 2005-01-01

Light conditions alter accumulation of long chain polyprenols in leaves of trees and shrubs throughout the vegetation season.

Agnieszka Bajda, Tadeusz Chojnacki, Józefina Hertel, Ewa Swiezewska, Jacek Wójcik, Alicja Kaczkowska, Andrzej Marczewski, Tomasz Bojarczuk, Piotr Karolewski, Jacek Oleksyn

Index: Acta Biochim. Pol. 52(1) , 233-41, (2005)

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Abstract

In many plants belonging to angiosperms and gymnosperms the accumulation in leaves of long chain polyprenols and polyprenyl esters during growth in natural habitats depends on the light intensity. The amount of polyprenols in leaves is also positively correlated with the thickness of the leaf blade (SLA, specific leaf area). The polyprenol content of leaves shows seasonal changes with a maximum in autumn and a minimum in early summer with the difference between poorly and well illuminated plants persisting throughout the vegetation season.