Secondary Metabolites Flashcards
Secondary Metabolites
Metabolites that are not necessary for primary biochemical reactions that enable the plant to survive.
Where are secondary metabolites produced?
Typically produced in a specific organ or tissue
Primary roles of secondary metabolites
Structure
Pigmentation
Chemical signals enabling plant to respond to environmental cues
Defense against herbivores and pathogens*
Alfalfa (a legume)
Contains a nonprotein amino acid, L-Canavanine, (an analog to L-arginine) that prevents proper folding of proteins. Insect proteins that contain this amino acid don’t fold properly and become non-functional, and therefore, will never develop into an adult insect and dies.
Wild Black Cherry
Produces cyanogenic glycosides in the leaves, if a critter eats too many leaves, it will become sick and die. During the breakdown of the compound, the cyanide is released from sugar molecule and may direct cellular respiration.
Water Hemlock
Contains a terpene, called cicutoxin in its sap. In large doses, it can cause paralysis and death from respiratory failure.
Poison hemlock
Contains alkaloids called confine and coniceine, which are really toxic, very small doses can cause complete respiratory failure. It is a neurotoxin.
Coral bean
Contains erythrinine, which is also a neurotoxin.
In large doses, it causes death by paralysis of central nervous system. Often used in “dart guns”.
Monkshood
contains alkaloid called aconitine, which can cause heart failure
Baneberry
contains a terpenoid that can cause heart attacks
Nightshade
Contains numerous alkaloids that can trigger heart and/or respiratory failure.
Consuming as few as 20 berries can result in death from affecting both the central and peripheral nervous systems. (Heart or respiratory failure)
