Phytochemistry

Phytochemistry is the study of chemical compounds produced by plants, including how they are formed, distributed, and used.

Secondary metabolite: A compound produced by an organism that is not directly required for its growth, development, or reproduction. Many phytochemicals are specialized metabolites that help plants interact with their environments.
Plant secondary metabolism: The network of pathways that produces specialized metabolites in plants. These pathways generate many of the compounds investigated in phytochemistry.
Pharmacognosy: The study of medicines and drug substances obtained from natural sources. It applies plant-compound knowledge to natural medicines and drug materials.
Plant defense against herbivory: The physical and chemical traits plants use to reduce damage by herbivores. Toxins and deterrents are among the best-studied ecological roles of phytochemicals.
Alkaloid: A nitrogen-containing natural product, commonly basic, with diverse biological effects. Alkaloids are a large, structurally diverse family of plant compounds.
Shikimate pathway: A metabolic pathway in plants and microorganisms that produces aromatic amino acids and other precursors. It supplies precursors for many plant phenolics and other aromatic compounds.
Natural product drug discovery: The search for therapeutic compounds in organisms and materials derived from nature. Plant metabolites provide starting points for identifying and developing drugs.
Plant-pollinator interaction: An ecological relationship in which pollinators transfer pollen while obtaining rewards from plants. Pigments and volatile compounds help plants attract and guide pollinators.
Terpenoid: A natural product derived from isoprene units, often modified from a terpene hydrocarbon. Terpenoids include plant pigments, fragrances, hormones, and defensive compounds.
Mevalonate pathway: A metabolic pathway that converts acetyl-CoA into isoprenoid precursors. It provides building blocks for numerous terpenoids found in plants.

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