Quantitative analysis of free fatty acids in elaiosome of Coreanomecon hylomeconoides Nakai species using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS

Abstract

Elaiosome is a lipid-rich fleshy appendage to the seeds of many plant species and known to play a critical role in a mutualistic relationship between plants and ants. In an attempt to elucidate the ecological consequences of beneficial symbiotic interactions between plants and ants, quantitative analysis of free fatty acids (FFAs) was conducted with elaiosomes of Coreanomecon hylomeconides Nakai that is endemic to Korea. Elaiosomes were sampled from fifteen individuals per each of seven populations, and FFAs were extracted and derivatized with 3- picolylamine (3-PA) for quantification of seven different types of FFAs in multiple reaction monitoring mode on a UPLC-ESI triple quadrupole instrument. Several statistical analyses including principal component analysis, analysis of variance, and Tukey honestly significant difference test on the concentrations of FFAs were performed to assess significant differences among the seven populations. Interestingly, the hierarchical clustering of the concentration of FFAs from elaiosomes revealed four distinct clusters in the seven regions, which is strikingly different from the known genetic properties of C. hylomeconides species.