beta-Glucosidases as detonators of plant chemical defense.
Some plant secondary metabolites are classified as phytoanticipins. When plant tissue in which they are present is disrupted, the phytoanticipins are bio-activated by the action of beta-glucosidases. These binary systems--two sets of components that when separated are relatively inert--provide plants with an immediate chemical defense against protruding herbivores and pathogens. This review provides an update on our knowledge of the beta-glucosidases involved in activation of the four major classes of phytoanticipins: cyanogenic glucosides, benzoxazinoid glucosides, avenacosides and glucosinolates. New aspects of the role of specific proteins that either control oligomerization of the beta-glucosidases or modulate their product specificity are discussed in an evolutionary perspective.
Morant
Anne Vinther
AV
Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant Biology and The VKR Research Centre Proactive Plants, University of Copenhagen, 40 Thorvaldsensvej, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Jørgensen
Kirsten
K
Jørgensen
Charlotte
C
Paquette
Suzanne Michelle
SM
Sánchez-Pérez
Raquel
R
Møller
Birger Lindberg
BL
Bak
Søren
S
D044602:Cellulases / Q000378:metabolism*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D018521:Plant Physiological Phenomena / Q000187:drug effects; D010944:Plants / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology*; D011485:Protein Binding
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D044602:Cellulases