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The Enzymology of Proanthocyanidin Biosynthesis

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Chemistry and Significance of Condensed Tannins

Abstract

The cell-free enzymology of the biosynthesis of the 2,3-trans forms of flavan-3-ols and the oligomeric 2,3-trans proanthocyanidins is now known except for the final condensation step to the oligomers. The individual enzymic steps at the C-15 level are described. A speculative model to explore the origin of the still unknown 2,3-cis pathway and its relationship to the 2,3-trans pathway is presented. This model accounts for the radioactive phenylalanine feeding experiments published by various laboratories. The pathway is also discussed in terms of the regulation of proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in gymnosperms, especially in Douglas-fir.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biology Department, Reed College, Portland, Oregon, 97202, USA

    Helen A. Stafford

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  1. Helen A. Stafford
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  1. United States Department of Agriculture, Pineville, Louisiana, USA

    Richard W. Hemingway

  2. Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA

    Joseph J. Karchesy

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© 1989 Plenum Press, New York

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Stafford, H.A. (1989). The Enzymology of Proanthocyanidin Biosynthesis. In: Hemingway, R.W., Karchesy, J.J., Branham, S.J. (eds) Chemistry and Significance of Condensed Tannins. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-7511-1_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-7511-1_3

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