Phytolectins: natural molecules with immense biotechnological potential

Lectins are structurally diverse, carbohydrate binding proteins that bind reversibly to specific mono- or oligosaccharides. Their abundance in the plant kingdom suggest that they have diverse roles to perform. They serve as recognition factor between symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacteria and host plants, as a deterrent to phytopathogens like fungi, insects, and animals, as storage protein and as an aid in sexual reproduction in Chlamydomonas, amongst others. The possible application of lectins as a factor in increasing soil fertility and as a biopesticide by genetically engineered organisms is yet to be fully explored by the biotechnologists. However, they are being used by the biomedical scientists and biochemists in blood typing and stimulation of cells for chromosome analysis and gene mapping, in cell separation, identification of complex glycoproteins and typing of bacteria. Cell targeting by lectins in cancer therapy is still in its infancy. This review gives an insight into the potential of these wonder biomolecules in agriculture, biochemistry, cell biology and medicine for the benefit of mankind.