Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Lettuce Metabolome: A Framework for Targeted Nutritional Quality Improvement.

ABSTRACT: Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a popular leafy vegetable valued for its dietary fiber, antioxidants, and beneficial vitamins. This study presents a comprehensive spatio-temporal analysis of the lettuce metabolome, revealing complex dynamics in metabolite accumulation influenced by plant age, leaf position, proximodistal distribution within a leaf, and head closure. Samples were collected from plants at five maturity stages (ranging from baby leaf to full commercial maturity and eventually to bolting) and from five leaf positions (from the apex to the base of each plant). A widely targeted metabolomics approach identified 1905 compounds, with flavonoids, phenolic acids, and lipids as the largest classes. Younger plants exhibited higher levels of flavonoids, while older plants accumul

SUBMITTER: Simko I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11644470 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature