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Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice

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Published on: January 25, 2016

Phytomelatonin: a review.

Sergio D Paredes¹, Ahmet Korkmaz, Lucien C Manchester

¹Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.

Journal of Experimental Botany

|November 27, 2008

Summary

Melatonin, a compound previously thought to be animal-specific, is found in plants and acts as an antioxidant and growth promoter. Further research is encouraged to understand its full role in plant physiology.

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Area of Science:

Plant Science
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology

Background:

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is increasingly detected in diverse plant species.
Evidence suggests plants synthesize and uptake melatonin, challenging its traditional classification as an animal-specific indole.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current research on melatonin in plants (phytomelatonin).
To update scientists on phytomelatonin knowledge and stimulate further investigation into its functions.

Main Methods:

Literature review of experimental investigations on plant melatonin.
Synthesis of existing data on melatonin's presence and actions in plants.

Main Results:

Melatonin's roles as an antioxidant and growth promoter in plants are strongly supported by evidence.
Potential functions include regulating photoperiodism, plant reproduction, and cellular defense against environmental stress and apoptosis.

Conclusions:

Melatonin is a significant phytomelatonin with diverse physiological roles.
Further research is crucial to elucidate the complete functions of melatonin in plants.