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Spatial and Temporal Distribution Pattern of Camptothecin in Seeds and Fruits of Pyrenacantha volubilis Hook. (Icacinaceae) during Different Fruit Developmental Stages
Camptothecin (CPT), a quinoline indole alkaloid, is one of the important inhibitors of eukaryotic DNA topoisomerase I. The highest concentration of this alkaloid has been reported from the fruits of Pyrenacantha volubilis Hook. Here we report the spatial and temporal distribution pattern of CPT in seeds and fruits of P. volubilis. Temporally, CPT content was highest in mature but unripe fruits compared to ripened fruits. Spatially, cotyledonary tissues of the seed had the highest amount of CPT followed by seed coat and fruit coat. This pattern is best explained by selection to deter fruit predators during fruit development, but attracting the fruit dispersers when fruits are mature and ripe.
Keywords
Camptothecin, Distribution Pattern, Fruit Developmental Stages, Pyrenacantha volubilis.
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