Molecular cloning of 4-coumarate: CoA ligase and total phenolic content in garlic (Allium sativum)

Allium sativum L. belongs to a member of the onion family (Alliaceae) and has been used for both culinary and medical purpose. We cloned 4-coumarate:CoA ligase (4CL) from Allium sativum. 4-Coumarate:CoA ligase has an important role in the biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites at the divergence point from general phenylpropanoid metabolism to several major branch pathways. Its deduced amino acid sequence was 69–82% identical to its orthologs in other plants. The expression level of As4CL was the highest in the roots and the lowest in bulbils. In addition, phenolic compounds were abundant in the leaves but not in bulbs, which are the most commonly used part of garlic.