Formation of Lignin in Tissue Culture of Pinus Strobus

The formation of shikimic acid and lignin from glucose in the cambium tissue was investigated. Glucose-1-14C, shikimic acid- G-14C, sodium acetate-1-14C and sodium acetate-2-14C were administered to the tissue culture of strob pine. Glucose was well incorporated into shikimic acid, but acetic acid was less effective. Shikimic acid was very efficient as a precursor of aromatic nucleus and glucose was also converted efficiently to lignin. The extent of incorporation of acetic acid, however, was considerably low. A possibility was discussed that in the cultured tissue lignin and its precursor were synthesized from glucose via the shikimic acid pathway.