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It is impossible in a single volume to deal comprehensively with all classes of secondary plant compounds. In the earlier series of this Encyclopedia emphasis was laid on the isoprenoids and plant phenols. While these compounds have not been neglected in the present volume we have attempted to achieve a more balanced presentation by drawing attention to the importance of nitrogenous secondary metabolites such as the alkaloids, amines and non-protein amino acids. Most of the compounds or groups of compounds included in Volume 8 are of restricted distribution within the plant kingdom and wherever possible we have provided information concerning their chemistry, biochemistry, taxonomic signifi cance and probable ecological roles. Secondary compounds cannot be defined in terms of restricted distribution, however, nor can they be defined without refer ence to the plants in which they occur, as it is possible that a given compound occurring in two species may have a primary role in one and not in the other. As our knowledge of biochemistry increases we shall no doubt find it necessary to revise our ideas concerning the roles of a great many of the compounds which are found in plants.
List of contents
1 Historical Introduction.- References.- 2 The Possible Significance of Secondary Compounds in Plants.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Phylogenetic Significance.- 3 Ecological Significance.- References.- 3 Expression and Control of Secondary Metabolism.- 1 Introduction: Expression of Secondary Metabolism - a Feature of Cell Specialization.- 2 Regulation of Enzyme Amount in Secondary Metabolism.- 3 Regulation of Enzyme Activity.- 4 Compartmentation as Principle of Control in Secondary Metabolism.- 5 Integration of Secondary Metabolism in Programs of Differentiation and Development.- 6 Some Speculations About the Evolution of the Control Mechanisms in Secondary Metabolism.- 7 Summary.- References.- 4 The Alkaloids.- 4.1 Alkaloids Derived from Ornithine, Lysine, and Nicotinic Acid.- 4.2 Alkaloids Derived from Phenylalanine and Tyrosine.- 4.3 Alkaloids Derived from Tryptophan and Anthranilic Acid.- 4.4 Alkaloids Derived from Histidine and Other Precursors.- 4.5 Isoprenoid Alkaloids.- 5 The Isoprenoids.- 5.1 The Terpenoids.- 5.2 Steroids.- 5.3 Carotenoids.- 5.4 Polyisoprenoids.- 5.4.1 Polyprenols and Terpenoid Quinones and Chromanols.- 5.4.2 Polyisoprene.- 6 Plant Phenolics.- 7 Non-Protein Amino Acids in Plants.- 8 Plant Amines.- 9 Cyanogenic Glycosides.- 10 Glucosinolates.- 11 Betalains.- 12 Plant Lipids of Taxonomic Significance.- 13 Plant Carbohydrates.- Author Index.- Species Index.
