Biosynthesis of Cyanogenic Glycosides in Butterflies and Moths: Incorporation of Valine and Isoleucine into Linamarin and Lotaustralin by Zygaena and Heliconius Species (Lepidoptera)

Abstract

Abstract C -13 NMR data for linamarin and lotaustralin, obtained after feeding of either Zygaena Jilipendulae or Heliconius melpomone (Lepidoptera) with C-13 enriched valine and isoleucine respectively, indicate that intact units of amino acid with loss of the carboxyl group are incorporated during the biosynthesis of these cyanogenic glycosides.