Biosynthetic Studies of Bithiophenes in Hairy Root Cultures of Tagetes Patula Using13C-labeled Acetates

Biosynthetic studies of two bithiophenes, [5-(3-buten-1-ynyl)-2,2′-bithiophene (BBT) and 5-(4-acetoxy-1-butynyl)-2,2′-bithiophene (BBTOAc)], were performed in hairy root cultures of Tagetes patula using [1-13C]-, [2-13C]- and [1,2-13C2]-labeled sodium acetate as precursors. The data support previous biogenetic proposals and demonstrate that hairy root cultures provide a highly suitable medium for biosynthetic studies of root constituents.