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Updated: May 18, 2026
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A Customizable Approach for the Enzymatic Production and Purification of Diterpenoid Natural Products
Published on: October 4, 2019
Terpenoid biosynthesis in trichomes--current status and future opportunities
B Markus Lange1, Glenn W Turner
1Institute of Biological Chemistry, M.J. Murdock Metabolomics Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA. lange-m@wsu.edu
Plant Biotechnology Journal
|September 18, 2012
Summary
Glandular trichomes synthesize essential oils and oleoresins. This review details terpenoid biosynthesis and secretion in these specialized plant structures, offering insights for metabolic engineering.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Biochemistry
- Natural product chemistry
Background:
- Glandular trichomes are plant epidermal outgrowths specialized for secreting diverse natural products.
- Terpenoids, including essential oils and oleoresins, are significant secondary metabolites with various applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of glandular trichomes involved in terpenoid accumulation.
- To elucidate terpenoid biosynthesis pathways and secretion mechanisms within these structures.
- To discuss the potential of glandular trichomes for metabolic engineering.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on glandular trichomes and terpenoid metabolism.
- Analysis of biosynthetic pathways and secretion processes.
- Synthesis of information regarding metabolic engineering applications.
Main Results:
- Glandular trichomes exhibit specialized cellular structures and biochemical machinery for terpenoid synthesis and accumulation.
- Detailed pathways for terpenoid biosynthesis and secretion mechanisms are described.
- The review highlights the potential for manipulating these pathways for enhanced natural product production.
Conclusions:
- Glandular trichomes are key sites for terpenoid essential oil and oleoresin production.
- Understanding their biosynthesis and secretion is crucial for future metabolic engineering strategies.
- Further research can unlock the potential of these structures for sustainable natural product sourcing.
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