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Update on the Current Understanding of Biosynthesis, Biology and Transport of Glucosinolates in Brassica Plants
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Glucosinolates are secondary metabolites mostly found in the family Brassicaceae. These compounds are extensively associated with economically important plants, and may provide protective capacity against cellular oxidative stresses. Although known to be present in plants for over 100 years, interest and research about glucosinolate formation, function, and potential benefits to human health has taken place in recent times. Glucosinolates are simple organic compounds consisting of a core molecule combined with different side chains, which contribute to their diversity and subsequently determine the nature of hydrolysis products. Injured or affected plant tissue brings the compartmentalised enzyme myrosinase into contact with the localised glucosinolate, which separates the glucose group from the parent glucosinolate. These compounds have been shown to have the potential to contribute to human nutritional wellbeing, as plants high in glucosinolates are known to possess anti-carcinogenic and anti-microbial properties. Developments in the understanding of glucosinolate transport have recently progressed. This work has shown that changes in the biochemistry of the parent glucosinolate are possible at the site of damage, without the sole reliance of long distance phloem transport. The purpose of this review paper is to provide an update on recent developments which have taken place in the understanding of glucosinolate biosynthesis, biology and transport.
Keywords
Glucosinolates, Regulation, Biochemistry, Biosynthesis, Myrosinase, Bio-fumigation, Defence, Signalling, Plant Defence
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