Ecological implications of condensed tannin structure: A case study |
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Authors: | T P Clausen F D Provenza E A Burritt P B Reichardt J P Bryant |
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Affiliation: | (1) Department of Chemistry, University of Alaska, 99775-0520 Fairbanks, Alaska;(2) Range Science Department, Utah State University, 84332-5230 Logan, Utah;(3) Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska, 99775-0180 Fairbanks, Alaska |
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Abstract: | Condensed tannins were isolated from bitterbnish (Purshia tridentata) and blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima). Structural analyses showed that both tannins were procyanidins of similar polymer length. The overall stereochemistries at C-3 and C-4, however, differed between the two tannins. These changes in stereochemistry resulted in blackbrush tannins being less preferred than bitterbrush tannins when offered to snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus). It is unlikely that differences in protein-precipitating abilities are the cause for the preference of the bitterbrush over the blackbrush tannins. Instead, we hypothesize that condensed tannins may be depolymerized and absorbed following ingestion. Differences in tannin structure can lead to different depolymerized products and rates of depolymerization, both of which may affect herbivore preferences. |
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Keywords: | condensed tannin procyanidin blackbrush bitterbrush plant defense |
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