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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Changes in Cell Wall Composition Associated to the Softening of Ripening Papaya: Evidence of Extensive Solubilization of Large Molecular Mass Galactouronides

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Author(s):
Shiga, Tania Misuzu [1] ; Fabi, Joao Paulo [1] ; Oliveira do Nascimento, Joao Roberto [1] ; de Oliveira Petkowicz, Carmen Lucia [2] ; Vriesmann, Lucia Cristina [2] ; Lajolo, Franco Maria [1] ; Cordenunsi, Beatriz Rosana [1]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Lab Quim Bioquim & Biol Mol Alimentos, Dept Alimentos & Nutr Expt, FCF, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Parana, Lab Quim Carboidratos Vegetais, Dept Bioquim & Biol Mol, BR-81531990 Curitiba, Parana - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry; v. 57, n. 15, p. 7064-7071, AUG 12 2009.
Web of Science Citations: 31
Abstract

Papaya (Carica papaya) is a climacteric fruit that undergoes dramatic pulp softening. Fruits sampled at three different conditions (natural ripening or after exposition to ethylene or 1-methylcyclopropene) were used for the isolation of cell wall polymers to find changes in their degradation pattern. Polymers were separated according to their solubility in water, CDTA, and 4 M alkali, and their monosaccharide compositions were determined. Water-soluble polymers were further characterized, and their increased yields in control and ethylene-treated fruit, in contrast to those that were treated with 1-MCP, indicated a strong association between fruit softening and changes in the cell wall water-soluble polysaccharide fraction. The results indicate that the extensive softening in the pulp of ripening papayas is a consequence of solubilization of large molecular mass galacturonans from the pectin fraction of the cell wall. This process seems to be dependent on the levels of ethylene, and it is likely that the releasing of galacturonan chains results from an endo acting polygalacturonase. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 02/12452-9 - Carbohydrate metabolism during fruit ripening: a functional genomics approach
Grantee:Franco Maria Lajolo
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants