Secondary integration into programs

Usually the response of the target cells depends on their state of differentiation (competence). Since secondary metabolism is integrated into differentiation programs, the phase during which secondary metabolism may be influenced is not necessarily linked directly to the stage of secondary product formation. 

Whereas some aspects of secondary metabolism are now relatively well known, e.g., chemistry and biochemistry, others are still obscure. This is especially true for the mode of action of most signals influencing secondary metabolism and the molecular mechanisms which integrate secondary product biosynthesis into the programs of differentiation and development. The latter may be better understood when the molecular organization of these programs is known in more detail (Nover et al. 1982). 

Plants escape this dilemma by a complex organization of secondary biosynthesis, especially by integrating it into the stractural organization of the producing cell and into developmental programs of tissues and organs. In particular, two such elements create the need for channeling, membrane transport and compartmenta-tion of secondary metabolites ... 

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