Phenylpropanoid metabolism

Phenylpropanoid compounds encompass a wide range of structural classes with diverse biological functions in defence, survival, and structural support associated with normal plant development (belying the term 'secondary metabolite'). Biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids is regulated by diverse environmental stimuli. Phenylpropanoid metabolism (other than flavonoids, not covered here) occupies a central place in the general aromatic metabolism of plants from shikimate to phenylalanine to lignin polymers, and also to coumarins, phenolic volatiles, and hydrolyzable tannins. In recent years genetics and biochemistry, along with methodology-driven, computational, transgenic, and comparative transcriptomic approaches have led to significant advances in identification of the families of genes encoding enzymes, transporters, regulatory factors involved in phenylpropanoid metabolism, and a clearer picture of their functions in biotic and abiotic stress responses, plant development, and enzyme/pa