Table 1. Plant secondary products
Family of compounds Biosynthesis Examples Examples of key producers
Terpenoids, isoprenoids; Mevalonic acid pathway Carotenoid pigments;
based on isoprene: (originating from acetyl Sterols and steroid
CH 3 CoA) derivatives (e.g. cardiac
glycosides like digitoxin); Digitalis purpurea(foxglove)
CH 2 =C-CH=CH (^2) Hormones (abscisic acid,
gibberellins);
Latex Hevea brasiliensis(rubber tree)
Flavors (e.g. menthol); Mentha palustris(mint)
Odors
Phenolics based on Shikimic acid pathway Many defence and
phenol: (originating from anti-herbivory
aromatic amino acids compounds including:
tryptophan, tyrosine, phenolic monomers;
phenylalanine) tannins (also flavor wine
and tea); lignins (also
wood); flavonoids
(pigments like
anthocyanins)
Alkaloids (diverse Diverse origins. Name Stimulants
group, containing a derived from slight Caffeine Coffea arabica (coffee)
N-group and water alkalinity in solution. Nicotine Nicotiana tabacum(tobacco)
soluble) May be aromatic Sedatives
(heterocyclic) Morphine Papaver somniferum(opium
or aliphatic Codeine poppy)
Poisons
Atropine Atropa belladonna(deadly
nightshade)
Chemo-therapy agents
Vinblastine Catharanthus roseus (rosy
Vincristine periwinkle)
Narcotics
Cocaine Erythroxylum coca(coca)
OH
J5 – Amino acid, lipid, polysaccharide and secondary product metabolism 159