Studies on Incorporation of ¹⁴C–Labelled Precursors in Monocrotaline

Abstract

(U–¹⁴C)–acetate, (U–¹⁴C)–threonine, (U–¹⁴C)–isoleucine. (U–¹⁴C)–valine and (2–¹⁴C)–ornithine were fed to Crotolaria retusa plants ranging in age between 4–6 months. (U–¹⁴C)isoleucine and (U–¹⁴C)–valine showed maximum incorporation in the necic acid part of the monocrotaline molecule, while ornithine was found to be the best precursor of the retronecine part of the molecule. Intake of the precursor in the stem as well as in the leaves was maximum at the onset of fruiting. As the seeds mature their percentage of the alkaloid as well as radio–activity shows an increase. Most probably seeds are the seat of storage of the alkaloid.

Monocrotaline - Retronecine - Monocrotalic Acid - Biosynthesis - Crotolaria retusa