Signaling molecules, phenylpropanoids

Root flavonoids that may act as signals for the initiation and development of endomycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal symbio.ses have been identified (see Chap. 7). Metabolites of the phenylpropanoid pathways apparently act as signaling molecules in endo- and ectomycorrhizal interactions (14). The role of flavonoids is still controversial, but a variety of flavanones, flavones, and isoflavones... 

The functions of phenylpropanoid derivatives are as diverse as their structural variations. Phenylpropanoids serve as phytoalexins, UV protectants, insect repellents, flower pigments, and signal molecules for plant-microbe interactions. They also function as polymeric constituents of support and surface structures such as lignins and suberins [1]. Therefore, biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids has received much interest in relation to these functions. In addition, the biosynthesis of these compounds has been intensively studied because they are often chiral, and naturally occurring samples of these compounds are usually optically active. Elucidation of these enantioselective mechanisms may contribute to the development of novel biomimetic systems for enantioselective organic synthesis. 

Three groups of phenolic compounds are involved in defense responses (1) the signal molecule salicylic acid [42], (2) phenylpropanoid compounds (phenolics and phytoalexins) [43], and (3) lignin and related polyphenolics [44,45],... 

Phenylpropanoids as Signaling Molecules in Plant-Plant Interactions Allelopathy and Parasitism... 

Phytoalexins are low molecular weight products which are produced in response to elicitors such as microbial, herbivorous or environmental stimuli (Poulev et al. 2003). Once plants detect a pathogen signal, a complex mixture of secondary metabolites is produced to control the invader. These molecules are synthesized de novo, and thus involve the activation of certain genes and enzymes required for their synthesis (Kuc 1995). Phytoalexins are chemically diverse and may include many chemical classes such as simple phenylpropanoid derivatives, alkaloids, gly-costeroids, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, various sulphur products, terpenes and polyketides (Hammerschmidt 1999). There is no boundary between phytoalexins and phytoanticipins, and in one plant species a certain chemical can function as a phytoalexin, whereas it has the function of a phytoanticipin in another species (Junghanns et al. 1998). It is important to point out that the distinction between phytoanticipins and phytoalexins is not based on their chenucal structure but rather on how they are produced. Thus, the same chemical may serve as both phytoalexin and phytoanticipin, even in the same plant (VanEtten et al. 1994). 

---