A NOVEL MYROSINASE-GLUCOSINOLATE DEFENSE SYSTEM IN CRUCIFEROUS SPECIALIST APHIDS

摘要

Secondary metabolites in plants are thought to function as deterrents to nonadapted herbivores, while adapted herbivores have developed mechanisms of detoxification or even utilize such compounds in their own defense.1 All cruciferous plants contain glucosinolates, and recent developments in Arabidopsis genomics has enabled the complex secondary metabolite biosynthetic pathway to be elucidated 2 Glucosinolates and their degradation products3 are responsible for the characteristic taste and odor of crops such as horseradish, cabbage, mustard, and broccoli (isothiocyanates are responsible for the 'bite' and pungency) and, therefore, in these crops the glucosinolate content is valued. There is increasing interest in the dietary role of certain glucosinolates and their breakdown products in the prevention of cancer. It is widely accepted that glucosinolates play a role in plant defense against pathogens and insect pests, although glucosinolates may also have other roles in plant metabolism.