Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2026

Herbivore-induced Blueberry Volatiles and Intra-plant Signaling
Published on: December 18, 2011
The formation and function of plant volatiles: perfumes for pollinator attraction and defense
Eran Pichersky1, Jonathan Gershenzon
1Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, 830 N University Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1048, USA. lelx@umich.edu
Abstract:
Plants synthesize and emit a large variety of volatile organic compounds with terpenoids and fatty-acid derivatives the dominant classes. Whereas some volatiles are probably common to almost all plants, others are specific to only one or a few related taxa. The rapid progress in elucidating the biosynthetic pathways, enzymes, and genes involved in the formation of plant volatiles allows their physiology and function to be rigorously investigated at the molecular and biochemical levels. Floral volatiles serve as attractants for species-specific pollinators, whereas the volatiles emitted from vegetative parts, especially those released after herbivory, appear to protect plants by deterring herbivores and by attracting the enemies of herbivores.
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Plant Diversity
Morphogenesis
Epiphytes, Parasites, and Carnivores
Pollination and Flower Structure
Defenses Against Pathogens and Herbivores
Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway
The olfactory...

