Differential distribution of tocopherols and tocotrienols in photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic tissues

Tocopherols and tocotrienols are tocochromanols that differ with respect to the saturation state of their isoprenoid side chain. Tocopherols are found in numerous plant species and tissues. In contrast, the distribution of tocotrienols is much more limited. Our study revealed that tocotrienols accumulate in substantial amounts in seeds, but not normally in photosynthetic tissues. However, we noted a transient accumulation of tocotrienols in coleoptiles. As we were unable to demonstrate tocotrienol biosynthesis in these coleoptiles, the question is raised whether tocotrienols are translocated from the seed to the young shoot.