Amino Acids and their Derivatives in Higher Plants

Biochemistry, physiology and molecular biology of amino acids for botany researchers.

R. M. Wallsgrove (Edited by)

9780521050517, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 14 February 2008

296 pages, 79 b/w illus. 19 tables
22.8 x 15.3 x 1.7 cm, 0.453 kg

'This book is recommended strongly to the workers in the area of plant sciences, especially those working in the area of nitrogen metabolism.' N. Appaji Rao, Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry

For 150 years scientists at the Rothamsted Experimental Station have studied aspects of plant nitrogen nutrition and amino acid biosynthesis. This book is the result of a meeting held to mark this century and a half of work there. The papers look at the significant progress in understanding the biochemistry of amino acids recently achieved, in the light of this history of research. Leading researchers from around the world have contributed authoritative chapters on protein amino acids, non-protein amino acids, betaines, glutathione, polyamines and other secondary metabolites derived from amino acids. As well as being essential in some animals' nutrition, these compounds can have important roles in defending against herbivores, insects and disease. An understanding of these compounds can help in devising better crop protection and production methods.

List of contributors
Preface
1. Glutamine synthetase in higher plants: molecular biology meets plant physiology B. G. Forde and J. Woodall
2. Interactions of nitrogen and carbon metabolism: implications of PEP carboxylase and isocitrate dehydrogenase P. Gadal, L. Lepiniec and S. Santi
3. The genetics of aspartate derived amino acids in higher plants M. Jacobs, V. Frankard, M. Ghislain and M. Vauterin
4. Oxidation of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) in the generation of ethylene by plants P. John
5. Regulation of carbon flow through the branched chain amino acid biosynthetic pathway B. K. Singh, I. Szamosi and D. L. Shaner
6. Amino acid metabolism and protein deposition in the endosperm of wheat: synthesis of proline via ornithine T. D. Ugalde, S. E. Maher, N. E. Nardella and R. M. Wallsgrove
7. The glycine decarboxylase complex in higher plan mitochondria: structure, function and biogenesis S. Rawsthorne, R. Douce and D. Oliver
8. Glycine and serine synthesis in non-photosynthetic tissues R. J. Ireland and D. A. Hiltz
9. Biogenesis of N-heterocyclic amino acids by plants: mechanisms of biological significance E. G. Brown
10. Toxicity of non-protein amino acids from plants J. P. F. D'Mello
11. Processes involved in glutathione metabolism H. Rennenberg
12. Betaines in higher plants - biosynthesis and role in stress metabolism J. Gorham
13. Metabolism and function of polyamines during osmotically induced senescence in oat leaves and protoplasts A. F. Tiburcio, R. T. Besford, A. Borrell and M. Marcé
14. Biosynthesis of cyanogenic glucosides. Elucidation of the pathway and characterization of the cytochromes P-450 involved O. Sibbesen, B. M. Koch, P. Rouzé, B. L. Møller and B. A. Halkier
15. The biosynthesis of glucosinolates in Brassicas R. M. Wallsgrove and R. N. Bennett
16. Biochemical genetics of aliphatic glucosinolates in Brassica and Arabidopsis R. Mithen and D. Toroser
Index.

Subject Areas: Plant physiology [PSTD]