Integration in the Programs of Differentiation and Development

The phase-dependent expression of secondary metabolism designated in A 4.1 as one of the most important features in the control of secondary product formation is caused by the integration of secondary metabolism in the programs of differentiation and development. These programs, which are characteristic of all living cells 

Tightly linked with the realization of differentiation programs are the phenomena of (a) competence, i.e., the stage-restricted capability of cells to respond to particular signals by expression of distinct parts of their genetic material and of (b) determination, i.e, the commitment of cells to certain differentiation processes or programs by prior changes of their chemical composition. 

In the following sections some general principles are discussed, which show the interrelations between the control of secondary metabolism and other metabolic activities of the producer organisms. 

Luckner, M. Expression and control of secondary metabolism. In Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology, New Series. Vol. 8, Secondary Plant Products (E. A. Bell, B. V. Charlwood, eds.), pp. 23-63. Springer, Berlin-Heidelberg-New York 1980 Mandelstam, J. Bacterial sporulation a problem in the biochemistry and genetics of a primitive developmental system. Proc. Roy. Soc. London B 193, 89-106 (1976) 

Luckner, M., Parthier, B. (eds.) Cell Differentiation. Fischer/Springer, Jena/Berlin-Heidelberg-New York 1982 

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