Journal
PLANTA
Volume 213, Issue 4, Pages 493-498Publisher
SPRINGER-VERLAG
DOI: 10.1007/s004250100594
Keywords
chemical defense mechanisms; cytochrome P450 enzymes; 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIMBOA) biosynthesis; evolution (secondary metabolic pathways) secondary metabolism; Zea (defense mechanisms)
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The synthesis of a diverse spectrum of secondary metabolites has allowed plants to develop sophisticated chemical defense mechanisms. Maize (Zea mays L.), for example, releases a cocktail of volatile compounds when attacked by a caterpillar. These compounds attract a parasitic wasp, which deposits its eggs in the larvae, thereby controlling the population size of the herbivore. Indole, which is part of the cocktail, is produced by an enzyme recruited from primary metabolism. Indole can either function as a volatile signal or be converted by specific cytochrome P450 enzymes into benzoxazinoids, which function as important defense chemicals.
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