This important volume compiles the pioneering work of biochemists and molecular biologies on the modification of secondary metabolism patterns in plants. These innovative studies represent the integration of the newest technologies with the exploitation of plant chemistry. International contributors examine key research on polyketides, flavonoids, glucosinolates, terpenoids, lignin, and alkaloids, which sheds valuable light on the biological roles of plant secondary metabolism.

Volume 28 also discusses the applications of plant secondary metabolites by humans to such diverse areas as food, pigments, pharmaceuticals, poisons, and entertainment. It describes current efforts to modify flower pigmentation, monoterpene composition, and lignin accumulation - areas on the cutting edge of phytochemistry research.

1. Individual chapters cover, among other topics: genetic engineering of the pyridine and propane alkaloid biosynthetic pathways of solanaceous plants, engineering altered glucosinolate biosynthesis by two alternative strategies, genetic manipulation of lignin and phenylpropanoid compounds involved in interactions with microorganisms, genetic control of monoterpene biosynthesis in mints, and secondary metabolism in arabidopsis.

Genetic Engineering of Plant Secondary Metabolism is an authoritative review of the latest developments in the field for researchers and professionals in botany, plant biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics.