Natural Terpenoids as Messengers

'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)

• 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.