Abstract
Morphological, histological, and chemical analysis of the interlocular septa of jalapeño peppers and bell peppers were compared. Scanning electron, brightfield, and transmission electron microscopic examinations of the interlocular septa showed little histological difference of the interlocular septa. Glandular regions of oil producing cells are present on both varieties of peppers. Thin layer chromatography of the oil produced by pepper gland cells demonstrated that bell peppers produce neutral lipids and glycolipids in oil cells; jalapeño oil cells produce neutral lipids, glycolipids and capsaicinoids. Correlations between extractable lipids of the interlocular septa and capsaicin content were high. Extractable lipids of whole peppers were not correlated with capsaicin content. Conclusive evidence was found that capsaicin is synthesized in the glandular areas of the interlocular septa of jalapeño peppers.
Nagle, Barbara Joyce (1980). A morphological and chemical study of the interlocular septa of sweet bell and pungent jalapeño peppers. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -655386.