Metabolism and ecology of purine alkaloids
Por:
ANAYA, ANA LUISA, Cruz-Ortega, Rocio, Waller, George R.
Publicada:
1 sep 2006
Resumen:
In this review, the biosynthesis, catabolism, ecological significance,
and modes of action of purine alkaloids particularly, caffeine,
theobromine and theophylline in plants are discussed. In the
biosynthesis of caffeine, progress has been made in enzymology, the
amino acid sequence of the enzymes, and in the genes encoding N-
methyltransferases. In addition, caffeine- deficient plants have been
produced. The ecology of purine alkaloids has not proved to be
particularly promising. However, advances have been made in insecticidal
and allelopathic fields, and in the role of microorganisms play in the
changes that these compounds undergo in the soil. Caffeine inhibits cell
plate formation during telophase throughout the development of coffee
plants and other species.
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