title: Analysis of storage and structural carbohydrates in developing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grains using quantitative analysis and microscopy.
abstract: In this paper, the content of all major carbohydrates and the spatial distribution of starch, arabinoxylan and β-glucan in developing wheat kernels (Triticum aestivum L. var. Homeros) from anthesis until maturity were studied. By combining information from microscopy and quantitative analysis, a comprehensive overview on the changes in storage and structural carbohydrates in developing grains was obtained. In the phase of cell division and expansion, grains were characterized by a rapid accumulation of water and high concentrations of the water-soluble carbohydrates fructan, sucrose, glucose and fructose. During the grain filling phase, starch, protein, β-glucan and arabinoxylan accumulated, while during grain maturation and desiccation, only a loss of moisture took place. The comprehensive approach of this study allowed finding correlations, which are discussed within the context of grain development. Particular attention was given to the transient presence of high fructan concentrations, which was associated with the most striking compositional changes during grain development.
authors: Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Biochemistry and Leuven Food Science and Nutrition Research Centre (LFoRCe), KU Leuven , Kasteelpark Arenberg 20 - box 2463, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Joran
authors: J
authors: Verspreet
authors: Sami
authors: S
authors: Hemdane
authors: Emmie
authors: E
authors: Dornez
authors: Sven
authors: S
authors: Cuyvers
authors: Annick
authors: A
authors: Pollet
authors: Jan A
authors: JA
authors: Delcour
authors: Christophe M
authors: CM
authors: Courtin
mesh_terms: D008853:Microscopy; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D013213:Starch / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D014908:Triticum / Q000737:chemistry / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D014990:Xylans / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D047071:beta-Glucans / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D014990:Xylans; D047071:beta-Glucans; D013213:Starch; C085118:arabinoxylan