Look back over the studies of lignin biochemistry

The role of the cinnamate pathway in monolignol biosynthesis based on feeding experiments with lignifying plant stems and characterization of the enzymes in the pathway, O-methyltransferase (OMT), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD), etc. is discussed. Monolignol biosynthesis via metabolic grids according to newly characterized enzymes in the pathway is also reviewed and discussed. The cleavage mechanisms of side chains and aromatic rings by lignin peroxidase and laccase elucidated by using O-18, H-2, and C-13 labeled lignin substructure dimers and DHP with O-18(2) and (H2O)-O-18 are reviewed. Finally, the prospects of lignin biochemistry in the wood and paper industries are discussed according to the recent progress on gene technology on wood formation and microbial degradation of lignin.