Ethanol Metabolism in Plant Tissues

Abstract

MIany plant tissues are known to produce ethanol when they are subjected to experimental stresses such as low oxygen supply or a variety of respiratory inhibitors (2). Ethanol production has also been observed under natural conditions in such tissues as germinating seeds, fruits, and root tips (10). The question whether ethanol, particularly that accumu- lated in periods of natural or imposed anaerobiosis, can be metabolized when the tissue subsequently gains better access to 02 is still unanswered (10).