Inhibition of Sterol Biosynthesis by 2-Isopropyl-4-dimethylamino-5-methylphenyl-1-piperidine Carboxylate Methyl Chloride in Tobacco and Rat Liver Preparations

2-Isopropyl-4-dimethylamino-5-methylphenyl-1-piperidine carboxylate methyl chloride, 90%, applied to rootless tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Samson) seedlings inhibits the incorporation of ¹⁴C-mevalonate into sterols. Concomitantly, the retardant causes the accumulation of squalene-2,3-epoxide, an intermediate in sterol biosynthesis. The results with tobacco are identical to those produced by the retardant in cell-free rat liver preparations.