Showing papers on "Terpene published in 2011"
TL;DR: The terpene synthases (TPSs) as mentioned in this paper are a family of enzymes responsible for the synthesis of various terpenes from two isomeric 5-carbon precursor molecules, leading to 5-carbinear isoprene, 10-carbon monoterpenes, 15-carbon sesquiterpenes and 20-carbenes.
Abstract: Summary
Some plant terpenes such as sterols and carotenes are part of primary metabolism and found essentially in all plants. However, the majority of the terpenes found in plants are classified as ‘secondary’ compounds, those chemicals whose synthesis has evolved in plants as a result of selection for increased fitness via better adaptation to the local ecological niche of each species. Thousands of such terpenes have been found in the plant kingdom, but each species is capable of synthesizing only a small fraction of this total. In plants, a family of terpene synthases (TPSs) is responsible for the synthesis of the various terpene molecules from two isomeric 5-carbon precursor ‘building blocks’, leading to 5-carbon isoprene, 10-carbon monoterpenes, 15-carbon sesquiterpenes and 20-carbon diterpenes. The bryophyte Physcomitrella patens has a single TPS gene, copalyl synthase/kaurene synthase (CPS/KS), encoding a bifunctional enzyme producing ent-kaurene, which is a precursor of gibberellins. The genome of the lycophyte Selaginella moellendorffii contains 18 TPS genes, and the genomes of some model angiosperms and gymnosperms contain 40–152 TPS genes, not all of them functional and most of the functional ones having lost activity in either the CPS- or KS-type domains. TPS genes are generally divided into seven clades, with some plant lineages having a majority of their TPS genes in one or two clades, indicating lineage-specific expansion of specific types of genes. Evolutionary plasticity is evident in the TPS family, with closely related enzymes differing in their product profiles, subcellular localization, or the in planta substrates they use.
990 citations
TL;DR: Limonene accumulation in the peel of citrus fruit appears to be involved in the successful trophic interaction between fruits, insects, and microorganisms, indicating that terpene down-regulation might be a strategy to generate broad-spectrum resistance against pests and pathogens in fleshy fruits from economically important crops
Abstract: Plants use volatile terpene compounds as odor cues for communicating with the environment. Fleshy fruits are particularly rich in volatiles that deter herbivores and attract seed dispersal agents. We have investigated how terpenes in citrus fruit peels affect the interaction between the plant, insects, and microorganisms. Because limonene represents up to 97% of the total volatiles in orange (Citrus sinensis) fruit peel, we chose to down-regulate the expression of a limonene synthase gene in orange plants by introducing an antisense construct of this gene. Transgenic fruits showed reduced accumulation of limonene in the peel. When these fruits were challenged with either the fungus Penicillium digitatum or with the bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, they showed marked resistance against these pathogens that were unable to infect the peel tissues. Moreover, males of the citrus pest medfly (Ceratitis capitata) were less attracted to low limonene-expressing fruits than to control fruits. These results indicate that limonene accumulation in the peel of citrus fruit appears to be involved in the successful trophic interaction between fruits, insects, and microorganisms. Terpene down-regulation might be a strategy to generate broad-spectrum resistance against pests and pathogens in fleshy fruits from economically important crops. In addition, terpene engineering may be important for studying the basic ecological interactions between fruits, herbivores, and pathogens.
108 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, four terpene synthases (PtTPS1-4) from Populus trichocarpa were identified and characterized, and the enzymes were heterologously expressed and assayed with potential prenyl diphosphate substrates.
87 citations
TL;DR: This work reviews the production of terpenoid by endophytic fungi and their biological activities, in period of 2006 to 2010, when 127 terpenoids were isolated from endophytics fungi.
Abstract: This work reviews the production of terpenoids by endophytic fungi and their biological activities, in period of 2006 to 2010. Sixty five sesquiterpenes, 45 diterpenes, five meroterpenes and 12 other terpenes, amounting to 127 terpenoids were isolated from endophytic fungi.
77 citations
TL;DR: It is found that limonene directly binds to the adenosine A(2A) receptor, which may induce sedative effects, and results from an in vitro radioligand binding assay showed thatLimonene exhibits selective affinity to A( 2A) receptors.
67 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a review describes the synthetic methodologies for terpene-based polymers, classified by the position of terpen entities in the polymer chains, i.e., main chain, terminal or central group, and pendant group.
Abstract: Terpenes or terpenoids are a large class of diverse biological compounds derived from isoprene. Due to their abundance in nature and desirable properties, there has been great interest in producing polymers with terpenes as either functional entities or as the main constituent. Terpene-based polymers have found applications as biomedical or liquid crystalline materials and, more importantly, have greatly contributed to the concept of sustainable polymer chemistry. The design and preparation of terpene-based polymers have involved different chemical strategies and a wide variety of polymerization techniques, making use of the chemical functionalities in terpene molecules, e.g. (conjugated) double bonds, hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. This review describes the synthetic methodologies for terpene-based polymers, classified by the position of terpene entities in the polymer chains, i.e., main chain, terminal or central group, and pendant group.
59 citations
TL;DR: A moderate to high within-family broad-sense heritability and significant genetic basis to the variation in 14 of the 16 terpenes assayed are shown, which argues that their variation is influenced by a QTL with pleiotropic effect early in the biosynthetic pathway.
Abstract: Terpenes are a diverse group of plant secondary metabolites that mediate a plethora of ecological interactions in many plant species. Despite increasing research into the genetic control of important adaptive traits in some plant species, the genetic control of terpenes in forest tree species is still relatively poorly studied. In this study, we use quantitative genetic and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis to investigate the genetic control of foliar terpenes in an ecologically and commercially important eucalypt species, Eucalyptus globulus. We show a moderate to high within-family broad-sense heritability and significant genetic basis to the variation in 14 of the 16 terpenes assayed. This is the first report of QTL for terpenes in this species. Eleven QTL influenced the terpenes overall. One QTL on linkage group 6 affected six of the seven different sesquiterpenes assayed (plus one monoterpene), which, in combination with highly significant correlations between these compounds, argues that their variation is influenced by a QTL with pleiotropic effect early in the biosynthetic pathway. We examine the homology of these QTL to those found in a closely related eucalypt, Eucalyptus nitens, and provide evidence that both common and unique QTL influence terpene levels.
44 citations
TL;DR: It is proposed that mono- and pentacyclic C(35) terpenes from Bacillus subtilis should be called the new family of "sesquarterpenes."
Abstract: In this study, mono- and pentacyclic C(35) terpenes from Bacillus subtilis were biosynthesized via the cyclization of C(35) isoprenoid using purified enzymes, including the first identified new terpene cyclase that shows no sequence homology to any of the known terpene cyclases. On the basis of these findings, we propose that these C(35) terpenes should be called the new family of "sesquarterpenes."
42 citations
TL;DR: Results indicated that Δ9-THC, CBD, and CBN showed differential inhibition against CYP2A6 and CyP2B6, and were characterized as mechanism-based inhibitors for CYP 2A6.
Abstract: Inhibitory effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN) on the catalytic activities of human recombinant cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2A6 and CYP2B6 were investigated. Δ9-THC, CBD, and CBN noncompetitively inhibited coumarin 7-hydroxylase activity of recombinant CYP2A6 with the apparent K
i values of 28.9, 55.0, and 39.8 μM, respectively. On the other hand, Δ9-THC, CBD, and CBN inhibited 7-benzoxyresorufin O-debenzylase activity of recombinant CYP2B6 in a mixed fashion with the K
i values of 2.81, 0.694, and 2.55 μM, respectively. Because the inhibition of CYP2B6 by CBD was the most potent, investigation was conducted to determine which moiety of the CBD structure was responsible for the inhibition. Olivetol and d-limonene, the partial structure of CBD, inhibited the CYP2B6 activity to some extent. Inhibitory effects of CBD-2′-monomethyl ether and CBD-2′,6′-dimethyl ether attenuated with the number of methylations on the phenolic hydroxyl groups in the resorcinol moiety of CBD. Cannabidivarin, a CBD analogue having a propyl side chain, inhibited the CYP2B6 activity less potently than CBD possessing a pentyl side chain. Therefore, both structures of pentylresorcinol and terpene moieties of CBD were suggested to play important roles in the CYP2B6 inhibition. Δ9-THC, CBD, and CBN showed metabolism-dependent inhibition for CYP2A6 but not for CYP2B6. Furthermore, Δ9-THC and CBN were characterized as mechanism-based inhibitors for CYP2A6. The k
inact and K
I values of Δ9-THC were 0.0169 min−1 and 0.862 μM, respectively; the k
inact and K
I values of CBN were 0.00909 min−1 and 1.01 μM, respectively. These results indicated that Δ9-THC, CBD, and CBN showed differential inhibition against CYP2A6 and CYP2B6.
39 citations
TL;DR: All of the glucose esters containing monoterpenoids identified in plants to date are reviewed, affording a number of important potential therapeutic reactivities such as anti-tumor promotion, carcinogenesis suppression, and anti-oxidant andAnti-inflammatory activities.
33 citations
TL;DR: The first evidence that LAB strains are able to modify and biosynthesize terpenoids is shown, which could be used to play an important role in cheese traceability models based on the use of terpenes as plant biomarkers.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate whether lactic acid bacteria (LAB), isolated from cheese, were able to degrade terpenes. Five strains of LAB were grown on M17 and reconstituted skim milk in the presence of alpha-pinene, beta-myrcene, alpha-terpineol, myrtenal, and alpha-campholenal. Cultures were incubated at 37 °C and samples collected at 6, 24, and 48 h for analysis by headspace-solid phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results showed that alpha-pinene, beta-myrcene, alpha-terpineol, and myrtenal degradation did not occur. Instead, all LAB cultures containing alpha-campholenal resulted in the almost complete disappearance of this substrate and the formation of a new monoterpenoid, tentatively identified as an isomer of borneol. In addition, the ability of the LAB strains to biosynthesize geraniol ex novo on both media was highlighted. This is the first evidence that LAB strains are able to modify and biosynthesize terpenoids. The results of this study could be used to play an important role in cheese traceability models based on the use of terpenes as plant biomarkers. In fact, their presence could be due not only to the animal feed but also to the LAB biomodification and biosynthetic activity.
TL;DR: The terpene metabolite pattern of Mediterranean Spongia officinalis was chemically investigated and resulted in the isolation of a series of sesterterpenes and C21 furanoterpenes, according to the literature data, which induced biofilm formation by Escherichia coli.
Abstract: The terpene metabolite pattern of Mediterranean Spongia officinalis was chemically investigated. This study resulted in the isolation of a series of sesterterpenes and C21 furanoterpenes, according to the literature data on this sponge. Four new oxidized minor metabolites (compounds 1, 2, 3, and 4) were isolated along with six known compounds of the furospongin series (compounds 5-8, 9, and 10) and three scalarane sesterterpenes (compounds 11-13). Interestingly, tetrahydrofurospongin-2 (6) and dihydrofurospongin-2 (7), which were among the main metabolites, induced biofilm formation by Escherichia coli. All compounds isolated were also assayed for antibacterial and antifungal properties.
TL;DR: The photocatalytic degradation of the four terpenes was successfully achieved with the photocatalyst TiO(2) Degussa P25 in both the actual effluent and in synthetic solutions.
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: This paper tries to present some information about the production of some metabolites known as secondary metabolites (allelochemicals) from plants metabolisms pathways and the usage of them.
Abstract: In today's world the usage of useful secondary metabolites derived from plants metabolisms pathways plays important roles in pharmaceutical productions and applications. These metabolites such as Apigenin an anti-infection, anti-viral, anti-carcinogenic derived from Anthemis nobilis plants or Berberine an anti- microorganism, Anti diabetic, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-cancer, LDL cholesterol reducer derived from Berberis aquifolium, are constantly used in pharmaceutics. This paper tries to present some information about some of these metabolites and the usage of them. Аннотация. В совремевнном мире использование вторичныx метаболитов, как продукт метаболизма растений, играет важную роль в фармацевтическом производстве. В данной статье представлена информация о некоторыx вторичныx метаболитаx растений и иx применение в медицине. Такие ценные метаболиты, как апигенин получаемый из Anthemis nobilis, Thymus serpyllum, Achillea millefolium и др. и берберин - из Berberis aquifolium, обладают антимикробной, антивирусной, антиканцерогенной, антивоспалительной активностями. Берберин является антидиабетическим средством и LDL xолестерин редуктором. Ключевые Слова: вторичные метаболиты растений, алкалоиды, фенолы, терпены Introduction. Plants have existed for millions of years and numerous animals and insects have coevolved with them. Undoubtedly one of the brilliant aspect of their surviving in the nature is about the production of some metabolites known as secondary metabolites (allelochemicals) by certain pathways that are known to be produce under harsh conditions. Considerably, herbivorous animals and insects use the plants as a source for their existence while the plants staidly express these metabolites as a defensive mechanism, or even carnivorous plants have the ability to trap insects in the specialized organs, obtaining additional nitrogen and phosphorus in nutrient-poor environments (Stotz et al 1999). The host-plant resistance (HPR) mechanism of plants starts by certain pathways that initiated from gene expression which consequently leads to express compounds such as: Tannins, Alkaloids, Phenols, Resins, etc. Plant secondary metabolites are categorized in three main branches based on their biosynthesis pathways: Phenolic compounds, Terpenes and Nitrogen-containing compounds. It is proven that Terpenes synthesise via mevalonic pathway from pre- processor of Acetyl CoA, while Phenolic compounds are aromatic substances formed via Shikimic acid pathway or mevalonic pathway and considerably the Nitrogen containing secondary metabolites such as Alkaloids synthesise primarily from Aliphatic amino acids derived from Tricarboxilic acid cycle pathway or Aromatic acids derived from Shikimic acid pathway. These introduced classes of metabolites have been widely used in pharmaceuticals. This manuscript tries to present information about the expression of some useful secondary metabolites and their fascinated usage in pharmaceutics. Phenolic compounds. Plants biosynthesis of the Phenolic compounds regards to the growth, reproduction, pigmentation, resistance to pathogens, influences of heavy metal- salts or in a general form under influences of biotic and a-biotic stresses. These fabulous
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of common diterpenes (colophony, abietic acid) and triterpene (beta-sitosterol) on carbon and nitrogen transformations in soil under birch (Betula pendula L.).
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of common diterpenes (colophony, abietic acid) and triterpene (beta-sitosterol) on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) transformations in soil under birch (Betula pendula L.). Samples were taken from the organic layer at two study sites, Kivalo (N-poor soil) and Kerimaki (N-rich soil), and incubated with the above-mentioned terpenes in laboratory conditions. Carbon dioxide evolution (C mineralization), net N mineralization, nitrification, and N and C in microbial biomass were measured. All these terpenes increased C mineralization, but decreased net N mineralization. The potential to decrease net N mineralization depended on amount of terpenes, with a stronger effect at a higher amount. Net nitrification in Kerimaki soil (N-rich soil) decreased but was not completely inhibited by terpenes. Effect of terpenes on soil microbial biomass C and N was not so clear, but they tended to increase both. Our study suggests that higher terpenes can act as a carbon source for soil microbial communities.
TL;DR: The chemical study of endophytic fungus of Cochliobolus led to the isolation of 10 terpenes, including one new compound named isocochlioquinone B, which was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods, including 2D NMR techniques.
TL;DR: The objective of the present work was to isolate and select strains with potential to perform the biotransformation of terpenic substrates and identify strains with capacity of using these terpenes as sole carbon source in a mineral medium.
Abstract: The objective of the present work was to isolate and select strains with potential to perform the biotransformation of terpenic substrates. Microorganisms obtained from a collection culture and also isolated from a natural source of terpene substrate were tested. Seventeen strains were selected by their resistance to terpenes in potato dextrose agar containing up to 1% of limonene or α-pinene and β-pinene (1:1). Subsequently, 10 strains were selected by their capacity of using these terpenes as sole carbon source in a mineral medium. The biotransformation capacity of these strains was tested and the products obtained were identified by GC-MS.
TL;DR: In this article, an acetone extract of whole Euphorbia sapinii led to the isolation of eighteen terpenoids among which lanost-24-en-20-ol-3-tetradecanoate (1), euphorbol-7-one (2) are new while spectroscopic data of 30-nor-hopan-3β-ol -22-one are reported for the first time.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compared volatile flavor profiles of four commercial vinegar beverages (i.e., Italian vinegar beverage, Japanese vinegar beverage (JVB), Japanese Yuzu-Ponz (JYP), and Korean white wine vinegar beverage) using SPME/GC/MSD.
Abstract: This study compared volatile flavor profiles of 4 commercial vinegar beverages (Italian vinegar beverage (IVB), Japanese vinegar beverage (JVB), Japanese Yuzu-Ponz (JYP), and Korean white wine vinegar beverage (KWVB)). Flavor components of vinegar beverages (VBs) were determined using SPME/GC/MSD. The profiles of VBs were as follows; IVB (11 acids, 17 esters, 10 alcohols, 8 aldehydes, 3 terpenes, 4 aromatic hydrocarbons, 9 ketones), JVB (7 acids, 8 esters, 9 alcohols, 7 aldehydes, 13 terpenes, 7 aromatic hydrocarbons, 1 ketones, 3 miscellaneous compounds), JYP (3 acids, 12 esters, 8 alcohols, 7 aldehydes, 63 terpenes, 6 aromatic hydrocarbons, 2 ketones, 5 miscellaneous compounds), KWVB (10 acids, 10 esters, 9 alcohols, 8 aldehydes, 2 terpenes, 5 aromatic hydrocarbons, 4 ketones, 2 miscellaneous compounds). IVB and JVB showed similar flavor compositions (acids, ketones and esters in particular), whereas major components in JYP and KWVB were terpenes (79.6%) and acids (81.0%), respectively. Five compounds including 2-phenylethyl acetate (floral, fruity, sweet odor), 2-phenylethanol (floral, rose odor), vitispirane (fruity odor), geranylacetone (fragrant odor) and acetic acid were identified as major components in balsamic vinegar beverages.
Patent•
16 Nov 2011
TL;DR: In this article, the present invention relates to novel mutants with cyclase activity and use thereof in a method for biocatalytic cyclization of terpenes, such as in particular for the production of isopulegol by cyclisation of citronellal; and methods for the preparation of menthol and further compounds with structural motifs similar to terpene.
Abstract: The present invention relates to novel mutants with cyclase activity and use thereof in a method for biocatalytic cyclization of terpenes, such as in particular for the production of isopulegol by cyclization of citronellal; a method for the preparation of menthol and methods for the biocatalytic conversion of further compounds with structural motifs similar to terpene.
01 Feb 2011
TL;DR: In this article, the synthesis of terpene esters of long chain fatty acids catalyzed by Candida antarctica lipase B was studied, and different parameters like temperature, solvent, and enzyme concentration for the esterification of terpenes with oleic acid were studied.
Abstract: Terpene esters of fatty acids have potential applications in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The present study focuses on the synthesis of terpene esters of long chain fatty acids catalyzed by Candida antarctica lipase B. Different parameters like temperature, solvent, and enzyme concentration for the esterification of terpene alcohols (geraniol and citronellol) with oleic acid were studied. Maximum conversion (98 %) was found for both terpene esters at 60°C in 2,2,4-trimethylpentane as well as in dry hexane and around 95–97 % in other tested solvents. The reaction was also carried out using stearic and linoleic acid in hexane to study the effects of unsaturation in the substrate in which stearic acid showed the maximum conversion. The reaction was monitored by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Using the peak integration values of methylene protons of terpene and terpene ester of δ = 3.6 and 4.0 for citronellol and δ = 4.2 and 4.6 for geraniol, respectively, percentage conversions of each of the esters were calculated.
Patent•
17 Nov 2011
TL;DR: In this article, the use of mutants with cyclase-activity and the use thereof in a method for the biocatalytic cyclisation of terpenes, such as, in particular, for producing isopulegol by the cyclization of citronellal, was described.
Abstract: The invention relates to novel types of mutants with cyclase-activity and to the use thereof in a method for the biocatalytic cyclisation of terpenes, such as, in particular, for producing isopulegol by the cyclisation of citronellal; to a method for producing menthol and methods for the biocatalytic conversion of other compounds with terpene type structural motifs.
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: It is shown here that the genome of cultivated tomato contains 44 terpene synthase (TPS) genes, including 29 that are functional or potentially functional, and 10 additional tomato terPene synthases are reported to have specific in vitro catalytic activity.
Abstract: Compounds of the terpenoid class play numerous roles in the interactions of plants with their environment, such as attracting pollinators and defending the plant against pests. We show here that the genome of cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) contains 44 terpene synthase (TPS) genes, including 29 that are functional or potentially functional. Of these 29 TPS genes, 26 were expressed in at least some organs or tissues of the plant. The enzymatic functions of eight of the TPS proteins were previously reported, and here we report the specific in vitro catalytic activity of 10 additional tomato terpene synthases. Many of the tomato TPS genes are found in clusters, notably on chromosomes 1, 2, 6, 8, and 10. All TPS family clades previously identified in angiosperms are also present in tomato. The largest clade of functional TPS genes found in tomato, with 12 members, is the TPS-a clade, and it appears to encode only sesquiterpene synthases, one of which is localized to the mitochondria, while the rest are likely cytosolic. A few additional sesquiterpene synthases are encoded by TPS-b clade genes. Some of the tomato sesquiterpene synthases use z,z-farnesyl diphosphate in vitro as well, or more efficiently than, the e,efarnesyl diphosphate substrate. Genes encoding monoterpene synthases are also prevalent, and they fall into three clades: TPS-b, TPS-g, and TPS-e/f. With the exception of two enzymes involved in the synthesis of ent-kaurene, the precursor of gibberellins, no other tomato TPS genes could be demonstrated to encode diterpene synthases so far. Terpenes constitute a large class of compounds that serve multiple roles in plants. They are made of a fivecarbon isoprene-building unit. Some hormones, such as GAs, abscisic acid, strigolactones, and cytokinins, are made up in whole or in part by terpenes. A much larger class of terpenes belong to the class of compounds defined as specialized metabolites, those compounds whose synthesis is restricted to specific plant lineages and that serve specific physiological and ecological roles. Many thousands of such terpenes are known in the plant kingdom, with each plant spe
TL;DR: In this article, the essential oil composition of a new accession of Houttuynia cordata from southwest China was investigated and 13 compounds, representing 98.79% of the volatile constituents were identified.
Abstract: Houttuynia cordata is an aromatic herb with great importance in the food, pharmaceutical and fragrance industries. Previous studies have shown that its essential oil mainly contains two types of compounds, terpenes and aldehydes. The essential oil composition of a newaccesssion from southwest China was investigated. Head-space solid phase microextraction(HS-SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses led to the identification of 13 compounds, representing 98.79% of the volatile constituents. Aliphatic aldehydes (69.64%) were quantified as the principal class of the components besides acids (22.83%). However, no terpenoids were detected. The essential oil was dominated bydecanal (42.64%). Decanoic acid (18.67%) and dodecanal (15.04%) were also the major constituents. Comparison of results with previous reports classified the current accession as a new chemotype rich in aliphatic aldehydes and acids, with complete absence of regular mono- and sesquiterpenoids.
Key words: Essential oil, Houttuynia cordata, terpenes.
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: Two major biosynthetic pathways, the cytosolic MEVP and the alternate chloroplastic DOXP, provide the C 5 isoprene backbones for plant terpenoids.
Abstract: Terpenoids (terpenes) are the largest and most diverse class of natural plant products. Their identification has been aided by separation and spectroscopic techniques, along with structural deduction and synthetic methodologies. Two major biosynthetic pathways, the cytosolic MEVP and the alternate chloroplastic DOXP, provide the C 5 isoprene backbones for plant terpenoids. Here we examine seven terpenoids. Carotenoid pigments are essential in light energy trapping (i.e., photosynthesis). Carotenoids are also important pigments as attractants for pollinators and an essential nutrient/vitamin for animals that can distribute seeds. Two apocarotenoids, abscisic acid (ABA) and strigolactones both mobile in the xylem of plants have fundamental roles in stress responses and development. Isoprene, a gas, emitted from some trees may function in thermotolerance of plant membranes. Other well-known terpenoids, such as menthol and Taxol, have high economic value for food flavorings, aromatics, and medicinal applications. Their accumulation in plant tissues may alter plant interactions with animals, insects, fungi (AMF), and bacteria being attractants or deterrents of neighbor/visitor interactions. In the newly classified family the Plantaginaceae, some monoterpenoids, iridoid glycosides (IGs), serve as primary photosynthetic transport products. How these forms of reduced-Carbon regulate primary source–sink interactions and development offer further opportunities to exploit terpenoids economically.
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: The majority of the different plant isoprenoids are to be found in resins, latex, waxes, and oils, and they make plants toxic or indigestible as a defense measure against herbivores.
Abstract: Isoprenoids are present in all living organisms, but with a remarkable diversity in plants. More than 40,000 different plant isoprenoids are known and new compounds are being constantly identified. These isoprenoids have many different functions. In primary metabolism, they function as membrane constituents, photosynthetic pigments, electron transport carriers, growth substances, and plant hormones. They act as glucosyl carriers in glucosylation reactions and are involved in the regulation of cell growth. Plant isoprenoids are also commercially important as aroma substances for food, beverages, and cosmetics, as vitamins, natural insecticides, solvents, and as rubber and gutta-percha. The plant isoprenoids also comprise important natural compounds, which are utilized as pharmaceuticals or their precursors. Investigations are in progress to increase the ability of plants to synthesize isoprenoids by genetic engineering. Plant ethereal oils have long been of interest to chemists. A number of mainly cyclic compounds containing 10, 15, 20, or correspondingly more C atoms have been isolated from turpentine oil. Such substances have been found in many plants and were given the collective name terpenes. Limonene, an aromatic substance from lemon oil, is a terpene with 10 C atoms and is called a monoterpene. Carotene, with 40 C atoms, is accordingly a tetraterpene. Rubber is a polyterpene with about 1,500 C atoms. It is obtained from the latex of the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis .
Patent•
04 Aug 2011
TL;DR: In this paper, the DNAs of hop (Humulus lupulus)-derived terpene synthase are provided, and a method for producing and authorizing a new organism by using the gene encoding the protein.
Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide DNAs of hop (Humulus lupulus)-derived terpene synthase. SOLUTION: The proteins of the Humulus lupulus, having the synthase activities of the terpenes are provided, and a method for producing and authorizing a new organism by using the gene encoding the protein. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT
TL;DR: 1 Laboratoire de Génétique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio ressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, 5000 Monastir, Tunisie.
Abstract: 1 Laboratoire de Génétique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio ressources (UR 03ES09), Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, 5000 Monastir, Tunisie. 2 Laboratoire des Maladies Transmissibles et Substances Biologiquement Actives, Faculté de Pharmacie 5000 Monastir, Tunisie. 3 Laboratoire de Botanique et cryptogamie, Faculté de Pharmacie Besançon 25000 cedex, France. 4 Laboratoire de Chimie, 03/UR/1202, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, 5000 Monastir, Tunisie.