Synopses & Reviews
Plants convert inorganic nitrogen into amino acids, the building blocks for proteins. They also make a wide range of other nitrogen compounds to help protect themselves from pests and diseases. An understanding of these compounds can therefore help in devising better crop protection and production methods. This volume contains essays by scientists who have studied aspects of plant nitrogen nutrition and amino acid biosynthesis. There are chapters on protein amino acids, nonprotein amino acids, betaines, glutathione, polyamines, and other secondary metabolites derived from amino acids. The results of these studies will be of interest to graduate students and professionals in biochemistry and botany.
Synopsis
Experts from around the world review the biochemistry and molecular biology of amino acids, and similar compounds, found in the higher plants. Recent research is presented on the role of these compounds. This book will be of great value to plant biochemistry, physiology and phytochemistry researchers.
Table of Contents
1. Glutamine synthetase in higher plants; 2. Interactions of nitrogen and carbon metabolism; 3. The genetics of aspartate derived amino acids in higher plants; 4. Oxidation of 1-aminocyclopropane-1- carboxylic acid (ACC) in the generation of ethylene by plants; 5. Regulation of carbon flow through the branched chain amino acid biosynthetic pathway; 6. Amino acid metabolism and protein deposition in the endosperm of wheat; 7. The glycine decarboxylase complex in higher plan mitochondria - structure, function and biogenesis; 8. Glycine and serine synthesis in non-photosynthetic tissues; 9. Biogenesis of N-heterocyclic amino acids by plants; 10. Toxicity of non-protein amino acids from plants; 11. Processes involved in glutathione metabolism; 12. Betaines in higher plants; 13. Metabolism and function of polyamines during osmotically-induced senescence in oat leaves and protoplasts; 14. Biosynthesis of cyanogenic glucosides: elucidation of the pathway and characterization of the cytochromes P450 involved; 15. The biosynthesis of glucosinolates in Brassicas; 16. Biochemical genetics of aliphatic glucosinolates in Brassicas and Arabidopsis.