Metabolism of myo-[2-H]Inositol and scyllo-[R-H]Inositol in Ripening Wheat Kernels.

Injection of myo-[2-(3)H]inositol or scyllo-[R-(3)H]inositol into the peduncular cavity of wheat stalks about 2 to 4 weeks postanthesis led to rapid translocation into the spike and accumulation of label in developing kernels, especially the bran fraction. With myo-[2-(3)H]inositol, about 50 to 60% of the label was incorporated into high molecular weight cell wall substance in the region of the injection. That portion translocated to the kernels was utilized primarily for cell wall polysaccharide formation and phytate biosynthesis. A small amount was recovered as free myo-inositol and galactinol. When scyllo-[R-(3)H]inositol was supplied, most of the label was translocated into the developing kernels where it accumulated as free scyllo-inositol and O-alpha-d-galactopyranosyl-scyllo-inositol in approximately equal amount. None of the label from scyllo-[R-(3)H]inositol was utilized for either phytate biosynthesis or cell wall polysaccharide formation.