Biosynthetic Pathway for the C45 Polyprenol, Solanesol, in Tobacco

Abstract

Feeding experiments were independently performed with [1-¹³C]deoxy-D-xylulose triacetate and (RS)-[2-¹³C]mevalonolactone in the tobacco plant. The labeling pattern for solanesol was elucidated to reveal that the isoprene moiety of solanesol would be derived from deoxy-xylulose. The result strongly suggests that tobacco solanesol is biosynthesized via the 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway.