Evolution of alkaloid biosynthesis in the genus Narcissus.
In an attempt to reveal the relationships between alkaloid biosynthesis and phylogeny, we investigated by GC-MS the alkaloid patterns of 22 species and 3 hybrids (from 45 locations) from seven main sections of the genus Narcissus (Amaryllidaceae). The results indicate that the first alkaloids to evolve in the genus Narcissus were of the lycorine- and homolycorine-type. The alkaloid pattern of the Nevadensis section supports its recent separation from the Pseudonarcissus section. The plants of Narcissus pallidulus (Ganymedes section) show a predominance of Sceletium-type compounds, which are quite rare in the Amaryllidaceae family. Two successful evolutionary strategies involving alkaloid biosynthesis and leading to an expansion in taxa and occupied area were determined. Firstly, a diversification of alkaloid patterns and a high alkaloid concentration in the organs of the large Narcissus species (in the Pseudonarcissus section) resulted in an improved chemical defence in diverse habitats. Secondly, both plant size and alkaloid biosynthesis were reduced (in the Bulbocodium and Apodanthi sections) relegated to dry pastures and rocky places.
Agrobioinstitute, 8 Dragan Tzankov, Sofia 1164, Bulgaria; Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 23 Acad. G. Bonchev str, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria. Electronic address: berkov_str@yahoo.com.
Strahil
S
Berkov
Estación Biológica-Jardín Botánico Torretes, Instituto Universitario de Biodiversidad CIBIO, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain.
Vanessa
V
Martínez-Francés
Departament de Productes Naturals, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Juan XXIII s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Jaume
J
Bastida
Departament de Productes Naturals, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Juan XXIII s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Carles
C
Codina
Estación Biológica-Jardín Botánico Torretes, Instituto Universitario de Biodiversidad CIBIO, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain.
Segundo
S
Ríos
D000470:Alkaloids / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D015394:Molecular Structure; D031427:Narcissus / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D010802:Phylogeny; D025341:Principal Component Analysis
D000470:Alkaloids
Amaryllidaceae alkaloids; Biogeography; Endemic Narcissus plants; Evolution; Phylogeny