Hydroxycinnamic acid-derived polymers constitute the polyaromatic domain of suberin.
Suberin is an abundant, complex, intractable, plant cell wall polymeric network that forms both protective and wound-healing layers. Its function is, therefore, critical to the survival of all vascular plants. Its chemical structure and biosynthesis are poorly defined, although it is known to consist of both aromatic and aliphatic domains. While the composition of the aliphatic component has been fairly well characterized, that of the phenolic component has not. Using a combination of specific carbon-13 labeling techniques, and in situ solid state 13C NMR spectroscopic analysis, we now provide the first direct evidence for the nature of the phenolic domain of suberin and report here that it is almost exclusively comprised of a covalently linked, hydroxycinnamic acid-derived polymeric matrix.
Bernards
M A
MA
Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-6340, USA.
Lopez
M L
ML
Zajicek
J
J
Lewis
N G
NG
D003373:Coumaric Acids / Q000032:analysis*; D008055:Lipids; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008563:Membrane Lipids / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D015394:Molecular Structure; D010649:Phenylalanine / Q000378:metabolism; D011198:Solanum tuberosum / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries
D003373:Coumaric Acids; D008055:Lipids; D008563:Membrane Lipids; D010649:Phenylalanine; C065875:suberin