Phytoalexin

Phytoalexins are antibioticsproduced by plantsthat are under attack. Phytoalexins tend to fall into several classes including terpenoids, glycocortesoids and alkaloids; however, researchers often find it convenient to extend the definition to include all phytochemicalsthat are part of the plant's defensive arsenal.

Phytoalexins produced in plants act as toxins to the attacking organism. They may puncture the cell wall, delay maturation, disrupt metabolism or prevent reproduction of the pathogen in question. However, phytoalexins are often targeted to specific predators, a plant that has anti-insect phytoalexins may not have the ability to repel a fungal attack.

When a plant cell recognizes particles from damaged cellsor particles from the pathogen, the plant launches a two-pronged resistance: a general short-term response and a delayed long-term specific response.

As part of the induced resistance, the short-term response, the plant deploys free radicalssuch as superoxideand hydrogen peroxideto kill invading cells. In pathogen interactions, a common response called the hypersensitive response, wherein apoptosis-compromised cells commit suicide in order to create a physical barrier for the invader.

Long-term resistance, or systemic aquired resistance (SAR), involves communication of the damaged tissue with the rest of the plant using plant hormones such as jasmonic acid, ethylene, abscisic acidor salicylic acid(bacteria). The reception of the signal leads to global changes within the plant, which induces genes that protect from further pathogen intrusion, including enzymes involved in the production of phytoalexins. Often, if jasmonates or ethylene (both gaseous hormones) is released from the wounded tissue, neighboring plants also manufacture phytoalexins in response. For herbivores, common vectorsfor disease, these and other wound response aromatics seem to act as a warning that the plant is no longer edible. Also, in accordance with the old adage, "an enemy of my enemy is my friend," the aromatics also alert natural enemies of the plant invaders that lunch is available.

External links

• Signals Regulating Multiple Responses to Wounding and HerbivoresGuy L. de Bruxelles and Michael R Roberts
• The Myriad Plant Responses to HerbivoresLinda L. Walling
• THE CHEMICAL DEFENSES OF HIGHER PLANTSGERALD A. ROSENTHAL
• Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR) Against Pathogens in the Context of Induced Plant DefencesMARTIN HEIL
• Notes from the UndergroundDonald R. Strong and Donald A. Phillips
• Relationships Among Plants, Insect Herbivores, Pathogens, and Parasitoids Expressed by Secondary MetabolitesLoretta L. Mannix
• Max Planck Insitute for Chemical Ecology: DepartmentsCurrent research on the mechanisms of plant defense systems by researchers of the Max Planck Society

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytoalexin Wikipedia article Phytoalexin.