Amino acids metabolism as a source for aroma volatiles biosynthesis

Aroma volatiles are essential for plant ecological fitness and reproduction. Plants produce and use volatiles to attract pollinators and seed dispersers, repel herbivores and recruit their natural enemies, and communicate with other plants. Amino acids and their biosynthetic intermediates play key roles as precursors for the biosynthesis of plant volatiles. Different plants utilize different strategies and biosynthetic pathways to meet their specific biological needs. This review focuses on the different biosynthetic pathways that plants utilize to form amino acid-derived aroma volatiles, emphasizing their common and unique aspects and stressing the importance of the limiting enzymes residing in the primary-specialized metabolism interface. We also briefly review how biotechnology has used this interface and point to promising future directions for improving the quality of agricultural produce and the production of key volatiles.

Automated summary

Aroma volatiles are crucial for plant ecological fitness and reproduction, as they are involved in various interactions and communications with other organisms. Amino acids and their derivatives play a vital role in the biosynthesis of plant volatiles. Different plants employ different strategies and pathways to produce aroma volatiles, and the enzymes located at the primary-specialized metabolism interface are of utmost importance. Biotechnology has the potential to enhance the quality and production of agricultural produce through manipulation of this interface.