Recommended
More Related Content
What's hot
What's hot (20)
Similar to Plant poster
Similar to Plant poster (20)
Recently uploaded
Recently uploaded (20)
Plant poster
- 1. Secondary Metabolites: Untold Language & Weapons of Plants What are secondary metabolites? Secondary metabolites are the language of communication as well as the defense weapons of plants. They are bio-molecules that are not directly involved in primary growth, development & reproduction but involves in defense mechanism, protection , & attraction of pollinators and can also be used for taxonomic classification. Plants produce diverse array of secondary metabolites in their cells for – For Fitness – Plants are known as “Sitting Ducks ” in harsh environment so they have to defend themselves from different biotic / abiotic stresses to remain fit in the ecosystem. For Communication – When flowers are blossomed they use secondary metabolites to produce aroma or color to invite pollinators as well as beneficial microbes like Rhizobia For Attracting Predators – Plants also attract predators to protect them from the attack of harmful insects or pathogens. Predators are like “ Friend of Enemies Enemy.” For Signaling – Plants use WiFi signals through volatile substances produced by them to communicate & give message to other plants that they are attacked by herbivores. Why plants produce secondary metabolites? Wax Lignification Phytoalexins Defense Mechanism Department of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology Tabina Ruzbitun Nesa Major Groups of secondary Metabolites Terpenoids – compounds composed of one or more C5 units. The simplest terpenoid is isoprene, volatile gas emitted during photosynthesis in large quantities by leaves that may protect cell membranes from damage caused by high temperature or light. Alkaloids- compounds composed of nitrogen. Phenolic compounds - The phenols consist of a hydroxyl group (–OH) attached to an aromatic ring. Contributions of Terpenoid * Yellow color of Sunflower *Flavor of ginger *Flavor of cinnamon *Flavor of cloves *Red color of Tomato *Artemisinin and Taxol as malaria and cancer medicines *Bioactive terpenoids have potential to ameliorate metabolic disorders via activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). *Citrus derived terpenoids have anticarcinogenic, antihypertension, & anticardiovascular disease effects Role of Terpenoid in Human Taxol Artemisinin Industrial use of terpenoid •Perfume production •Production of Antibacterial pesticide •Production of antineoplastic •Pharmaceuticals uses Perfume Drugs Use of Phenolics in Agriculture Furanoflavonoids like karanjin or rotenoids can be used as insecticidesPhenolics in Human Food6 The more colorful they are , the more phenolics! e.g.:grapes, pomegranate,green vegetables, chocolate, green tea, legumes,honey, berries etc. Karanjin insecticide Juglone fungicide Catechin herbicide Production of caffeine, c cocaine, nicotine, insecticides & also in production of drugs like Morphine, Quinine Do you know? Changing flower color & making rare colored flowers are possible by introducing Phenolic compounds pathway in a plant knowing the gene responsible for the color. Nilmoni BushraShamarthee Monjur Muna Rahaman Biosynthetic Pathway