Abstract

N. K. Srivastava and A. K. Srivastava

Comparative utilization of exogenously supplied carbon substrates as 14C-saccharose and 14C-acetate were analyzed for incorporation and accumulation into total triterpenoids saponins. Simultaneously, the metabolic status of the plant was determined by profiling assimilates into primary metabolic pool as sugars, amino acids and organic acids into shoots and roots of CENTELLA ASIATICA. 14C-saccharose was preferentially utilized for accumulation of total triterpenoids into shoots- as determined by high 14C content- compared to when 14Cacetate was supplied. The content of 14C label in metabolites in shoots as sugars, amino acids and organic acids was higher when saccharose was supplied as compared to acetate supply. Shoot to root partitioning of metabolites indicates higher 14C content in sugars and organic acids in roots when 14C-saccharose was supplied. The relative higher incorporation of 14C-saccharose indicates the preferential utilization of metabolites from DOXP/terpenoid pathway that contribute to total triterpenoids accumulation.