Biologists have uncovered the genetic foundations behind the foul odor of the "corpse flower."

The tropical plant Amorphophallus titanum, often referred to as the "corpse flower," is notorious for its repulsive odor, reminiscent of decaying flesh. In a recent study, a team of American researchers discovered the genetic pathways and biological mechanisms responsible for the release of its foul-smelling compounds and the heat generated by the plant during its blooming process.

2024-11-13 10:01:09https://naked-science.ru/article/biology/zlovoniye-trupnogo-zvetka

Amorphophallus titanum (Amorphophallus titanum) is not a single flower, but a multitude of unbranched inflorescences forming a central spike (spadix) that can grow up to three meters tall. During its blooming period, a "bract" unfolds around it—an altered leaf resembling a petal, green on the outside and a deep red or burgundy on the inside.

The titan arum blooms once every five to seven years and lasts only for two days. At this time, the central spike begins to emit heat, warming up to 36 °C. Subsequently, the flower releases its "signature scent," which is a combination of foul-smelling sulfur-based compounds. This odor attracts pollinators such as flies and carrion beetles.

The "corpse flower" originates from the Indonesian island of Sumatra, but due to human destruction, it is rarely found in the wild. Nowadays, Amorphophallus titanum is primarily cultivated in botanical gardens.

Notably, this plant is part of the collection at the Life Sciences Greenhouse at Dartmouth College (New Hampshire, USA). A group of local scientists led by biology professor Eric Schaller (Eric Schaller) has observed several blooming periods of the flower and collected samples from various parts for genetic and chemical analyses.

The researchers extracted RNA from the tissues and examined the encoded sequences to determine which genes play a role in the plant's heating and the emergence of its specific odor. An article on this was recently published in the journal PNAS Nexus.

The analysis revealed the presence of genes associated with proteins known as "alternative oxidases," which are responsible for thermogenesis, or heat production, in plants. Additionally, active genes involved in sulfur transport and metabolism were found in the tissues collected at the onset of the titan arum's blooming.

Using mass spectrometry, the scientists identified a high level of the sulfur-containing amino acid methionine in the flower's tissues, which easily evaporates at elevated temperatures, emitting an unpleasant odor. Notably, in samples taken a few hours later, the methionine content decreased sharply.

Moreover, another component of the flower's foul smell was discovered in the spike, which had not been previously reported in the scientific literature. This organic compound, putrescine, is formed from arginine during the decomposition process.

According to the authors, their study has molecularly explained the nature of the scent and the temperature regulation process in Amorphophallus titanum for the first time.

However, biologists believe that not all mysteries of the "corpse flower" have been unraveled. They aim to further investigate the triggers that precede blooming, as well as the ability of multiple plants to synchronize their blooming to enhance the odor and attract more pollinators.