The Biosynthesis of 8‐Hydroxy‐6‐methoxy‐3‐methyl‐3,4‐dihydroisocoumarin and 5‐Hydroxy‐7‐methoxy‐2‐methylchromone in Carrot Root Tissues Treated with Ethylene

Abstract

Abstract Biosynthesis of ethylene‐induced isocoumarin and eugenin in carrots ( Daucus carota L.) was studied. Radioactive isocoumarin eugenin was isolated from these carrots fed with 1‐ 14 C‐acetate and was isolated from ethylene treated carrots fed with 1‐ 14 C‐acetate, 2‐ 14 C‐malonate, and 3‐ 14 C‐acetoacetate. Also, radioactive G‐ 3 H‐5,7‐dihydroxy‐2‐methylchromone. A trapping experiment with 5,7‐dihydroxy‐2‐methyl‐chromone as trapping agent indicated that this compound was synthesized in carrots from acetate. From the results obtained, it was inferred that the biosynthesis of isocoumarin and eugenin must proceed via the acetate pathway.