Biosynthesis of (+)-Tartaric Acid from L-[4-C]Ascorbic Acid in Grape and Geranium

The metabolic fate of l-[4-(14)C]ascorbic acid has been examined in the grape (Vitis labrusca L.) and lemon geranium (Pelargonium crispum L. L'Hér. cv. Prince Rupert) under conditions comparable to data from l-[1-(14)C]ascorbic acid and l-[6-(14)C]ascorbic acid experiments. In detached grape leaves and immature berries, l-[4-(14)C]ascorbic acid and l-[1-(14)C]ascorbic acid were equivalent precursors to carboxyl labeled (+)-tartaric acid. In geranium apices, l-[4-(14)C]ascorbic acid yielded internal labeled (+)-tartaric acid while l-[6-(14)C]ascorbic acid gave an equivalent conversion to carboxyl labeled (+)-tartaric acid. These findings clearly show that two distinct processes for the synthesis of (+)-tartaric acid from l-ascorbic acid exist in plants identified as (+)-tartaric acid accumulators. In grape leaves and immature berries, (+)-tartaric acid synthesis proceeds via preservation of a four-carbon fragment derived from carbons 1 through 4 of l-ascorbic acid while carbons 3 through 6 yield (+)-tartaric acid in geranium apices.