Inhibition of trehalose breakdown increases new carbon partitioning into cellulosic biomass in Nicotiana tabacum

Abstract Validamycin A was used to inhibit in vivo trehalase activity in tobacco enabling the study of subsequent changes in new C partitioning into cellulosic biomass and lignin precursors. After 12-h exposure to treatment, plants were pulse labeled using radioactive 11 CO 2 , and the partitioning of isotope was traced into [ 11 C]cellulose and [ 11 C]hemicellulose, as well as into [ 11 C]phenylalanine, the precursor for lignin. Over this time course of treatment, new carbon partitioning into hemicellulose and cellulose was increased, while new carbon partitioning into phenylalanine was decreased. This trend was accompanied by a decrease in phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity. After 4 d o…