Plants produce an excess of volatile organic compounds, which are important in determining the quality and nutraceutical properties of fruit and root crops, including the taste and aroma of carrots (Daucus carota L.). A combined chemical, biochemical, and molecular study was conducted to evaluate the differential accumulation of volatile terpenes in a diverse collection of fresh carrots (D. carota L.). Here, we report on a transcriptome-based identification and functional characterization of two carrot terpene synthases, the sesquiterpene synthase, DcTPS1, and the monoterpene synthase, DcTPS2. Recombinant DcTPS1 protein produces mainly (E)-β-caryophyllene, the predominant sesquiterpene in carrot roots, and α-humulene, while recombinant DcTPS2 functions as a monoterpene synthase with geraniol as the main product. Both genes are differentially transcribed in different cultivars and during carrot root development. Our results suggest a role for DcTPS genes in carrot aroma biosynthesis.
An investigation of low-frequency inelastic scattering (LOFIS) and pre-resonant Raman spectroscopy has revealed the role of the modifying cations, Ba2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ on the bonding properties of the Eu-O bond in Ba(PO3)2, Zn(PO3)2, and Pb(PO3)2 glasses. Analysis of the results has shown that the electronegative character of the Pb2+ ions and the ionic radii of the Ba2+ and Zn2+ ions play a major role in the short-range order of the metaphosphate glasses. Furthermore, it was shown, using LOFIS, the influence of the modifying cations on the size distribution of the structural units found in the metaphosphate glasses.
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