Some characteristics of terpenoid biosynthesis by leucoplasts of Citrofortunella mitis.

The capacity of leucoplasts to synthesize monoterpene hydrocarbons has been further investigated by studying the synthesis of higher-terpene homologues. Isolated leucoplasts were unable to esterify chlorophyllides into chlorophylls and to synthesize carotenoids. In addition, the later steps of α-tocopherol and phylloquinone synthesis were not performed. In spite of the presence of a prenyltransferase activity leading to the synthesis of alcohol terpenes higher than gerniol (farnesol, geranyl-geraniol), these higher terpenes were not further metabolized in vitro by leucoplasts.