Metabolism and ecology of purine alkaloids.

Full Abstract

In this review, the biosynthesis, catabolism, ecological significance, and modes of action of purine alkaloids particularly, caffeine, theobromine and theophylline in plants are discussed. In the biosynthesis of caffeine, progress has been made in enzymology, the amino acid sequence of the enzymes, and in the genes encoding N-methyltransferases. In addition, caffeine-deficient plants have been produced. The ecology of purine alkaloids has not proved to be particularly promising. However, advances have been made in insecticidal and allelopathic fields, and in the role of microorganisms play in the changes that these compounds undergo in the soil. Caffeine inhibits cell plate formation during telophase throughout the development of coffee plants and other species.

Author information

Author/s: Anaya, Ana Luisa (AL); Cruz-Ortega, Rocio (R); Waller, George R (GR);

Affiliation: Departamento de Ecologia Funcional, Instituto de Ecologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, DF 04510, Mexico. alanaya(-atsign-)miranda.ecologia.unam.mx

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Frontiers in bioscience : a journal and virtual library (Front Biosci), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-; vol 11 (issue ) : pp 2354-70

Dates: Created 2006/05/24; Completed 2006/06/27; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 16720319, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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