Author(s): GEROMEL, C.; FERREIRA, L. P.; CAVALARI, A. A.; PEREIRA, L. F. P.; VIEIRA, L. G. E.; LEROY, T.; MAZZAFERA, P.; MARRACCINI, P.

Summary: In this study, we investigated more particularly the sucrose synthase (Susy: EC2.4.1.13) at the biochemical and molecular levels during the development of coffee fruits. In addition, feeding experiments with 14C-sucrose and incubation of fruits with 14CO2 were carried out. Our results suggest that Susy is the main enzyme responsible for sucrose metabolism in coffee fruits. In the pulp and endosperm of fruits at the last stage of maturation, a peak of Susy activity was observed and correlates with an increase of sucrose. At the molecular level, we cloned two cDNAs encoding different Susy isoforms. We also showed that both Susy-encoding genes were expressed in coffee fruits, with differences regarding their spatial and temporal expression. The 14C-experiments showed that sugars are not only transported from the leaves to the fruits, but also there is an intense communication among the tissues composing the fruits.

Publication year: 2005

Types of publication: Paper in annals and proceedings

Unit: Embrapa Coffee

Keywords: Sucrose synthase, Sugar