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Distribution of naturally occurring quinones
1Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Pharmaceutisch Weekblad. Scientific Edition
|April 26, 1991
Summary
Natural quinones are primarily found in flowering plants (angiosperms), fungi, and bacteria. While present in other organisms, their distribution and chemotaxonomic value in angiosperms require further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Microbiology
Background:
- Natural quinones are a diverse class of organic compounds produced by various organisms.
- Understanding the distribution of quinones is crucial for chemotaxonomy and natural product research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the primary biological sources of natural quinones.
- To assess the potential chemotaxonomic significance of quinones in angiosperms.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and compilation of known natural quinone sources.
- Analysis of quinone distribution across different taxa.
Main Results:
- Angiosperms, fungi (including lichens), and bacteria are identified as the principal sources of natural quinones.
- Quinones are found in smaller quantities in algae, ferns, conifers, sponges, echinoderms, other marine animals, and arthropods.
- Quinones exhibit some chemotaxonomic value at the genus and family levels within angiosperms.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the major biological origins of natural quinones.
- Further extensive surveys are necessary to fully elucidate the chemotaxonomic utility of quinones in angiosperms.