| Abstract: | Levels of shikimic acid in the roots and rhizomes of Iris pseudacorusgrowing under natural conditions were measured at monthly intervalsfor a period of one year. Seasonal fluctuations in the shikimatecontent suggest that the high levels during winter floodingand lower levels during the summer period of low water tableare related to a particular flood-tolerance metabolism in theroots and rhizomes. The suggested pathway, involving the condensationof phosphoenolpyruvate and crythrose 4-phosphato (both formedduring anaerobic carbohydrate breakdown) to 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosouicacid 7-phosphate and the subsequent synthesis of shikimie acid,appears to function as a physiological adaptation to floodingin rhizomatous species such as I. pseuducorus. Other pathwaysof anaerobic respiration in waterlogged roots are discussedin relation to the proposed scheme in Iris. |
