The accumulation and utilization of asperuloside in the Rubiaceae

Abstract

The accumulation and utilization of asperuloside in the tissues of 3 rubiaceous plants (Galium aparine, Asperula odorata and Rubia tinctorum) were studied. The glycoside accumulates in young tissues such as new leaves in the stage of exponential growth and cells in the neighborhood of the cambium. The accumulation stops abruptly with the completion of the stage of exponential growth, and is followed by a period of glycoside depletion which may involve trans-location to another part of the plant. Nearly all the cells in the plant, with the possible exception of most of those in the epidermis and chlorenchyma of the aerial parts and some of those in the roots, appear to accumulate asperuloside when in the early stage of growth. The significance of these results in relation to metabolism and translocation is discussed. The general pattern of production and utilization of asperuloside appears to be characteristic of many glycosides and other metabolic products throughout the higher plants.