In contrast to books on specific bioactive compounds, this book deals with the role of mevalonic acid metabolites (isoprenoids and their derived structures) in metabolism, development, and functions of organisms, which, though diverse, show various levels of communication.
1 Introduction.- 2 Production of terpenes and terpenoids.- 2.1 Biosynthesis of isoprenoids.- 2.2 Production of terpenoids by different organisms.- 3 The origin and evolution of terpenoid messengers.- 3.1 Selection of key enzymes in isoprenoid biosynthesis.- 3.2 Feedback mechanisms.- 3.3 Other types of feedback regulation.- 3.4 Site of action of the regulatory mechanisms.- 3.5 Interference with DNA synthesis: prenylated proteins.- 4 Specific properties of terpenoids.- 4.1 Messengers on the cellular level.- 4.2 Direct toxic effects.- 5 Functions of natural terpenoids in the interrelationships between organisms.- 5.1 Semiochemicals.- 5.2 Relationship between structure and function.- 6 Terpenoids in practice.- 6.1 Natural terpenoids and their sources.- 6.2 Utilization of terpenoids in biology and agriculture.- 7 Natural terpenoids to the benefit of human health.- 7.1 Applications in medicine.- 7.2 Cosmetics.- 7.3 Terpenoid analogues and derivatives.- 8 Prospectus and suggestions for further research.- 8.1 Search for new bioactive terpenoids.- 8.2 A multidisciplinary approach.- Epilogue.- References.- General reading.
'The book is of general interest to scientist and advanced students in biology and medicine and should find a wide readership.' Journal of Plant Physiology, 159:5 (2002)