Volume : 5, Issue : 4, April - 2016

Role of secondary metabolites in plant defence mechanism

Richa Rai

Abstract :

<p>&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;amp;nbsp;Secondary metabolites found in plants have a role in defence against herbivores, pests and pathogens. In this review we have discussed role of metabolites in plant defence. The role of secondary metabolites in defence may involve deterrent and anti-feedant activity, toxicity or acting as precursors to physical defence systems. Role of both cyanogenic glucosides and glucosinolates, phenolics are discussed as defensive compounds. Biochemistry of metabolites and their formation are discussed. An enormous variety of secondary metabolites are derived from shikimic acid or aromatic amino acids, many of which have important roles in defence mechanisms. Several classes of secondary&amp;lsquo; products are induced through environmental stresses, infection, wounding or herbivory. Role of salicyiates and jasmonates have been discussed as signals and in many other physiological processes.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;</p>