title: Toxicological action and ecological importance of plant photosensitizers.
abstract: This review discusses the biochemical action and ecological significance of phototoxic phytochemicals. Mechanistic details of photosensitization as well as cellular and molecular targets of plant-derived phototoxins in model biological systems (microbial and in vitro) and in herbivorous insects are described. Findings from these studies suggest the potential importance of phototoxic plant metabolites in plant-insect interactions. Aspects of phototoxin distribution and significance in diverse ecosystems are considered, and areas for future research are suggested.
authors.affiliation: Phytochemical Laboratory Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, 92717, Irvine, California.
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Downum
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rodriguez