Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) accumulation in walnut cotyledons is seen as a detoxification mechanism protecting the sensitive plant tissues of seeds from highly toxic ammonia concentrations following seed desiccation. Different metabolic pathways and cell compartments are involved in biosynthesis and storage of 5-HT. Ammonia fixation and incorporation into the indole moiety of tryptophan is followed by 5-HT biosynthesis via tryptamine in a two-step pathway with the adaptive tryptophan decarboxylase and the constitutive tryptamine 5-hydroxylase. Evidence is provided that tryptamine 5-hydroxylase is a member of the cytochrome P450 family which is involved in lipid hydroxylation processes in the very early period of seed development.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 637-644 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology |
Volume | 467 |
State | Published - 2000 |
Externally published | Yes |