Characterization, metabolism and localization of fructans in Gomphrena marginata Seub., Amaranthaceae of rocky fields

• Grant number: 16/04919-7
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2016
• End date: August 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Botany - Pant Physiology
• Principal Investigator: Maria Angela Machado de Carvalho
• Grantee: Maria Angela Machado de Carvalho
• Host Institution: Instituto de Botânica. Secretaria de Meio Ambiente, Infraestrutura e Logística (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Adriana Hissae Hayashi ; Geraldo Aclécio Melo ; Luce Maria Brandão Torres ; Marília Gaspar Maïs ; Rita de Cassia Leone Figueiredo Ribeiro

Abstract

Rocky fields or rocky cerrados constitute one of several vegetation types of the Cerrado Biome. They are characterized by high altitude fields, with rocky outcrops, saline and nutrient-poor soils, distributed mainly in mountain ranges of Minas Gerais and Goiás. Gomphrena marginata (Amaranthaceae), found in rocky fields of the Espinhaço Mountain Range (MG), is listed as a rare species in Brazil. Many Gomphrena species present the photosynthetic mechanism C4 and thickened underground systems that accumulate carbohydrates, especially fructans. Preliminary analyses of G. marginata reserve compounds indicated the presence of levan-type fructans in its underground organs, an atypical occurrence in eudicotyledons that usually accumulate inulin-type fructans. The aim of this project is to characterize the chemical structure and enzymatic metabolism of the fructan-type found in this species, as well as the anatomy of the underground system and location of fructans. Plant photosynthetic metabolism will also be studied by means of the carbon isotope ratio and leaf anatomy. The plants will be collected in the locality of Itacambira (MG) at the following phenological phases: dormancy (drought season), sprouting and vegetative growth phase (rain season). Fructan contents and the dynamics of biosynthesis and degradation of these compounds in the underground organ will be assessed seasonally. Results will contribute to the knowledge of biodiversity in rocky fields and to the understanding of anatomical and physiological strategies of species that evolved under the peculiar environmental conditions of the Cerrado biome. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

JOAQUIM, EMANUELA O.; HAYASHI, ADRIANA H.; TORRES, LUCE M. B.; FIGUEIREDO-RIBEIRO, RITA C. L.; SHIOMI, NORIO; DE SOUSA, FERNANDA S.; LAGO, JOAO H. G.; CARVALHO, MARIA A. M.. Chemical Structure and Localization of Levan, the Predominant Fructan Type in Underground Systems of Gomphrena marginata (Amaranthaceae). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE, v. 9, DEC 4 2018. (16/04919-7)