Evolução de flavonóides na subfamília Papilionoideae de Leguminosae

Abstract

The flavonoids of the subfamily Papilionoideae (family Leguminosae) were studied in order to establish affinity relationships and evolutionary trends on the level of tribes. Quantification of the evidences referring to the level of protection of phenolic hydroxyls was perfomed from the point of view of glycosylation, methylation and total protection. Another evolutionary parameter, transformation of the A ring, was also determined. Correlation of these chemical parameters of evolutionary advancement led to general lines of derivation within the subfamily. Evolution in the woody groups proceeded in two ways: one without significant modifications of these parameters for shrubs and the other characterized by drastic diminution of glycosylation anda corresponding increase of methylation for trees. For herbs evolution proceeded accompanied by slight modifications of both, glycosylation and methylation. Comparison of the three subfamilies of Leguminosae evidences a close affinity relationship for Caesalpinoideae - Mimosoideae, leaving Papilionoideae as a separate group, besides confirming the general lines of derivation recently proposed for the family on morphological grounds.