Biosynthetic origin of 2-geranyl-1,4-naphthoquinone and its related anthraquinone in a Sesamum indicum hairy root culture

In order to clarify the biosynthetic origin of 2-geranyl-1,4-naphthoquinone and its biogenetically related anthraquinone, which are possible intermediates of anthrasesamones, [1-(13)C]glucose was administered to a hairy root culture of Sesamum indicum. The labeling patterns of these quinone derivatives indicated that the naphthoquinone ring and geranyl side-chain of geranylnaphthoquinone were respectively bio-synthesized through the shikimate and methylerythritol phosphate pathways, and that these quinone derivatives have the same biosynthetic origin. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.