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Plant Terpenoids: Biosynthesis and Ecological Functions
Author(s) -
Cheng AiXia,
Lou YongGen,
Mao YingBo,
Lu Shan,
Wang LingJian,
Chen XiaoYa
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of integrative plant biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.734
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1744-7909
pISSN - 1672-9072
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-7909.2007.00395.x
Subject(s) - terpenoid , terpene , biosynthesis , herbivore , metabolic engineering , biology , chemical ecology , botany , chemistry , ecology , biochemistry , enzyme
Among plant secondary metabolites terpenoids are a structurally most diverse group; they function as phytoalex‐ins in plant direct defense, or as signals in indirect defense responses which involves herbivores and their natural enemies. In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the investigation of the ecological role of plant terpenoids. The biosynthesis pathways of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes include the synthesis of C5 precursor isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and its allylic isomer dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP), the synthesis of the immediate diphosphate precursors, and the formation of the diverse terpenoids. Terpene synthases (TPSs) play a key role in volatile terpene synthesis. By expression of the TPS genes, significant achievements have been made on metabolic engineering to increase terpenoid production. This review mainly summarizes the recent research progress in elucidating the ecological role of terpenoids and characterization of the enzymes involved in the terpenoid biosynthesis. Spatial and temporal regulations of terpenoids metabolism are also discussed.