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Cover Picture: Biosynthesis of Defensive Compounds from Beetles and Ants (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 15/2003)
Author(s) -
Laurent Pascal,
Braekman JeanClaude,
Daloze Désiré,
Pasteels Jacques
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
european journal of organic chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.825
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1099-0690
pISSN - 1434-193X
DOI - 10.1002/ejoc.200390232
Subject(s) - chemistry , coccinellidae , hemolymph , biosynthesis , coccinella septempunctata , stereochemistry , predation , ecology , biochemistry , biology , gene , predator
The cover picture shows the ladybird Coccinella septempunctata (Coccinellidae) which, when molested, emits hemolymph droplets at its joints. This mechanism, known as reflex bleeding, constitutes an efficient protection against predators due to the presence of bitter‐tasting alkaloids (e.g. coccinelline). Autogenous production of coccinelline through a fatty acid biosynthetic pathway has been proved. Details on the biosynthetic capabilities of beetles and ants to produce defense compounds are discussed in the microreview by J.‐C. Braekman, D. Daloze et al. on p. 2733 ff.