Citotaxonomia de espécies de Carapa e proteoma funcional de Carapa surinamensis Miq.

Abstract

Andirobeira is a tree species in the family Meliaceae, genus Carapa. It is a multipurpose plant because it has good quality wood, comparable to mahogany. From its seed is extracted oil, which is widely used by traditional people as anti-inflammatory, healing, insect repellent, among others. Over the years science has gradually confirmed all the applications described by traditional use, increasing the knowledge about the real properties of this precious oil. Carapa is a species of great socioeconomic importance, because its traditional use coupled with the great biotechnological potential that presents, generates business opportunity for the Amazonian peoples. The construction of databases, together with the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms involved with bioactive synthesis, will allow in-depth knowledge about the species and directions for the best use of its properties. Cytogenetic studies reveal that, despite the difficulties in identifying Carapa species in the field, they are in fact different species. The two populations of C. guianensis, Cg1 and Cg2, presented a chromosome number 2n = 50. On the other hand, the population 1 of C. surinamensis - Cs1 presented a chromosome number 2n = 42 and Cs2 was not conclusive, ranging from 2n = 36 at 2n = 50. Due to the proteomic profile of C. surinamensis seeds at different maturity stages, it was observed that the metabolic activities in SV are high, as this is a phase of seed filling and therefore, the energy demands are also, as well as the production. of secondary metabolites. In particular, we highlight the pathways involved with the synthesis of polyphenols - flavonoids and phenylpropanoids. These were uniquely identified in SV. Few proteins involved with terpenoid synthesis have been identified, indicating that their production may be occurring in another tissue or at another stage of maturation. The cytogenetic results described in this work contribute to a better identification of Carapa species. In addition to the proteomic data obtained, they favor a better use of the seeds of these species, thus adding biotechnological value and sustainable use of this important plant species.