Amino Acids and their Derivatives in Higher Plants

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.

Table of Contents:
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.