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Gerald Koch, Hans-Georg Richter, Uwe Schmitt

Topochemical investigation on phenolic deposits in the vessels of afzelia (Afzelia spp.) and merbau (Intsia spp.) heartwood

Keywords: afzelia (Afzelia spp.), merbau (Intsia spp.), phenolic deposits, pit membrane, UV microspectrophotometry (UMSP)

The topochemical distribution of phenolic deposits in the vessels of afzelia (Afzelia spp.) and merbau (Intsia spp.) heartwood was investigated by means of cellular UV microspectrophotometry (UMSP) to characterise the chemical composition and synthesis by pit membrane-associated enzymes. UV absorbance spectra of the deposits attached to the vessel walls of merbau are characterised by a distinct maximum at a wavelength of 368 nm representing the UV absorbance of pure robinetin (C₁₅H₁₀O₇). Deposits in the vessels of afzelia display a typical spectrum of kaempferol (C₁₅H₁₀O₂) with two distinct maxima at 270 and 350 nm. The pit membranes and pit canals of associated vessel and parenchyma cells are impregnated by these compounds. These results verify the assumption that the synthesis of deposits in afzelia and merbau is regulated by pit membrane-associated enzymes.

Holzforschung, Walter de Gruyter

Print ISSN: 0018-3830
Volume: 60, 11/2006
Pages: 583 - 588

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