This series of lectures was delivered at the 29th meeting of the Phytochemical Society of North America, held at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, B. C. , Canada on June 16th-20th, 1989. Topics concerning terpenoids, consisting of isoprene units, are now so numerous that a judicious selection for a relatively limited symposium was difficult. We were able to assemble, however, a potpourri of reviews on topical areas of terpenoid chemistry, biochemistry and biology, by scientists who are making exciting contributions and whose work points the way to significant future research. Because of the importance of terpenoids in the life of plants, and indeed in all living organisms, a periodical review of the mevalonic acid pathway and of the subsequent biochemical events leading to the biosynthesis of isoprenoids needs no justification. Life, as we know it, would not be possible without the ability of living organisms to employ this metabolic sequence which proceeds from condensations of three molecules of acetyl-CoA and terminates with the elaboration of the terpenoid precursors, isopentenyl pyrophosphate and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate. In addition to producing obviously essential compounds that are partially or completely of isoprenoid origin (Fig. 1), such as hormones, photosynthetic pigments, compounds involved in electron transport in respiration and in photosynthesis, oxidative enzymes and membrane components, plants elaborate thousands of novel terpenoids, many of which do not as yet have identifiable physiological, biochemical or even ecological roles, e. g. the cardenolides, ecdysones or saponins.

Terpenes belong to the diverse class of chemical constituents isolated from materials found in nature (plants, fungi, insects, marine organisms, plant pathogens, animals and endophytes). These metabolites have simple to complex structures derived from Isopentyl diphosphate (IPP), dimethyl allyl diphosphate (DMAPP), mevalonate and deoxyxylulose biosynthetic pathways. Terpenes play a very important role in human health and have significant biological activities (anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiallergic, skin permeation enhancer, anti-diabetic, immunomodulatory, anti-insecticidal). This book gives an overview and highlights recent research in the phytochemical and biological understanding of terpenes and terpenoid and explains the most essential functions of these kinds of secondary metabolites isolated from natural sources.

Unites a biological and a biotechnological perspective on cyanobacteria, and includes the industrial aspects and applications of cyanobacteria Cyanobacteria Biotechnology offers a guide to the interesting and useful features of cyanobacteria metabolism that keeps true to a biotechnology vision. In one volume the book brings together both biology and biotechnology to illuminate the core acpects and principles of cyanobacteria metabolism. Designed to offer a practical approach to the metabolic engineering of cyanobacteria, the book contains relevant examples of how this metabolic "module" is currently being engineered and how it could be engineered in the future. The author includes information on the requirements and real-world experiences of the industrial applications of cyanobacteria. This important book: Brings together biology and biotechnology in order to gain insight into the industrial relevant topic of cyanobacteria Introduces the key aspects of the metabolism of cyanobacteria Presents a grounded, practical approach to the metabolic engineering of cyanobacteria Offers an analysis of the requirements and experiences for industrial cyanobacteria Provides a framework for readers to design their own processes Written for biotechnologists, microbiologists, biologists, biochemists, Cyanobacteria Biotechnology provides a systematic and clear volume that brings together the biological and biotechnological perspective on cyanobacteria.

With over 1000 original drawings and 500 photographs, this work offers complete coverage of cell biology, plant physiology and molecular biology.

Cell Culture and Somatic Cell Genetics of Plants, Volume 5: Phytochemicals in Plant Cell Cultures provides comprehensive coverage of the wide variety of laboratory procedures used in plant cell culture, fundamental aspects of cell growth and nutrition, and plant regeneration and variability. This book consists of five main topics—phenylpropanoids, naphthoquinones, and anthraquinones; mevalonates; alkaloids; glucosinolates, polyacetylenes, and lipids; and biologically active compounds. This publication specifically discusses the coumarins in crown gall tumors, natural occurrence of bufadienolides, and accumulation of protoberberine alkaloids. The flavor production in tissue cultures of allium species and callus cultures derived from carrot root explants is also reviewed. This volume is valuable to experienced researchers and those newly entering the field of plant cell and tissue culture.

Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Production of terpenes and terpenoids. 3. The origin and evolution of terpenoid messengers. 4. Specific properties of terpenoids. 5. Functions of natural terpenoids in the interrelationships between organisms. 6. Terpenoids in practice. 7. Natural terpenoids to the benefit of human health. 8. Prospectus and suggestions for further research. Epilogue. References. General reading. Glossary. Index.

This guide covers classes of natural products in medicine, whether derived from plants, micro-organisms or animals. Structured according to biosynthetic pathway, it is written from a chemistry-based approach.

The second edition of Comprehensive Organic Synthesis—winner of the 2015 PROSE Award for Multivolume Reference/Science from the Association of American Publishers—builds upon the highly respected first edition in drawing together the new common themes that underlie the many disparate areas of organic chemistry. These themes support effective and efficient synthetic strategies, thus providing a comprehensive overview of this important discipline. Fully revised and updated, this new set forms an essential reference work for all those seeking information on the solution of synthetic problems, whether they are experienced practitioners or chemists whose major interests lie outside organic synthesis. In addition, synthetic chemists requiring the essential facts in new areas, as well as students completely new to the field, will find Comprehensive Organic Synthesis, Second Edition, Nine Volume Set an invaluable source, providing an authoritative overview of core concepts. Winner of the 2015 PROSE Award for Multivolume Reference/Science from the Association of American Publishers Contains more than170 articles across nine volumes, including detailed analysis of core topics such as bonds, oxidation, and reduction Includes more than10,000 schemes and images Fully revised and updated; important growth areas—including combinatorial chemistry, new technological, industrial, and green chemistry developments—are covered extensively

Medicinal Foods as Potential Therapies for Type-2 Diabetes and Associated Diseases: The Chemical and Pharmacological Basis of their Action focuses on active pharmacological principles that modulate diabetes, associated risk factors, complications and the mechanism of action of widely used anti-diabetic herbal plants—rather than just the nutritional composition of certain foods. The book provides up-to-date information on acclaimed antidiabetic super fruits, spices and other food ingredients. Sections cover diabetes and obesity at the global level, the physiological control of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, the pathophysiology of type-2 diabetes, the chemistry and pharmacology of a variety of spices, and much more. This book will be invaluable for research scientists and students in the medical and pharmaceutical sciences, medicinal chemistry, herbal medicine, drug discovery/development, nutrition science, and for herbal practitioners and those from the nutraceutical and pharm industries. - Provides background knowledge on type-2 diabetes and its pathophysiology and therapeutic targets down to the molecular level - Explores, in detail, the chemistry or secondary metabolites of the indicated foods that potentially modify diabetes and/or associated diseases - Examines the pharmacological findings on medicinal foods, including available clinical trials