Fructose 2,6-bisphosphate levels in mature leaves of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and potato (Solanum tuberosum)

Here we show that fructose 2,6-bisphosphate cannot be reliably measured in mature leaves of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), or stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) using conventional extraction techniques, since the recoveries of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate added during extraction are poor. However, fructose 2,6-bisphosphate could be extracted by boiling leaves in ethanol and aqueous buffer. Evidence for the reliability of this technique is provided by high recovery measurements of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate added to the leaves before extraction. This extraction method was used to measure changes in the level of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate throughout the photoperiod in tobacco and potato leaves. These changes are compared with the rate of accumulation of sucrose and starch in the leaf samples. Variations in the levels of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, and the relationship between this metabolite and sucrose and starch accumulation in these leaves during the photoperiod are similar to the pattern observed in leaves of other plant species.Abbreviations BSA bovine serum albumin - Fru-2,6-P₂ fructose 2,6-bisphosphate This research was supported by the Agricultural and Food Research Council (Grant no. PG43/531), and the Royal Society.