Post-secretory synthesis of a natural analog of iron-gall ink in the black nectar of Melianthus spp
© 2023 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2023 New Phytologist Foundation.
| Veröffentlicht in: | The New phytologist. - 1979. - 239(2023), 5 vom: 21. Sept., Seite 2026-2040 |
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| 1. Verfasser: | |
| Weitere Verfasser: | , , , , , , , |
| Format: | Online-Aufsatz |
| Sprache: | English |
| Veröffentlicht: |
2023
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| Zugriff auf das übergeordnete Werk: | The New phytologist |
| Schlagworte: | Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't ellagic acid gallic acid iron iron-gall ink nectar nectaries nectary pollinator mehr... |
| Zusammenfassung: | © 2023 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2023 New Phytologist Foundation. The black nectar produced by Melianthus flowers is thought to serve as a visual attractant to bird pollinators, but the chemical identity and synthesis of the black pigment are unknown. A combination of analytical biochemistry, transcriptomics, proteomics, and enzyme assays was used to identify the pigment that gives Melianthus nectar its black color and how it is synthesized. Visual modeling of pollinators was also used to infer a potential function of the black coloration. High concentrations of ellagic acid and iron give the nectar its dark black color, which can be recapitulated through synthetic solutions containing only ellagic acid and iron(iii). The nectar also contains a peroxidase that oxidizes gallic acid to form ellagic acid. In vitro reactions containing the nectar peroxidase, gallic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and iron(iii) fully recreate the black color of the nectar. Visual modeling indicates that the black color is highly conspicuous to avian pollinators within the context of the flower. Melianthus nectar contains a natural analog of iron-gall ink, which humans have used since at least medieval times. This pigment is derived from an ellagic acid-Fe complex synthesized in the nectar and is likely involved in the attraction of passerine pollinators endemic to southern Africa |
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| Beschreibung: | Date Completed 03.08.2023 Date Revised 03.08.2023 published: Print-Electronic CommentIn: New Phytol. 2023 Sep;239(5):1542-1544. - PMID 37301992 Citation Status MEDLINE |
| ISSN: | 1469-8137 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/nph.18859 |