title: Phytoalexins from crucifers: synthesis, biosynthesis, and biotransformation.
abstract: Phytoalexins play a significant role in the defense response of plants. These secondary metabolites, which are synthesized de novo in response to diverse forms of stress, including fungal infection, are part of the plants' chemical and biochemical defense mechanisms. Phytoalexins from crucifers are structurally and biogenetically related, but display significantly different biological activities. Here, we review work reporting the chemical structures, synthesis, biosynthesis and metabolism of cruciferous phytoalexins, as well as their biological activity towards different microorganisms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada. pedras@sask.usask.ca
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Pedras
authors.forename: F I
authors.initials: FI
authors.lastname: Okanga
authors.forename: I L
authors.initials: IL
authors.lastname: Zaharia
authors.forename: A Q
authors.initials: AQ
authors.lastname: Khan
mesh_terms: D001711:Biotransformation; D019607:Brassicaceae / Q000378:metabolism*; D015394:Molecular Structure; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D012717:Sesquiterpenes; D013729:Terpenes; D000094162:Phytoalexins
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts; D012717:Sesquiterpenes; D013729:Terpenes; D000094162:Phytoalexins