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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Genes of Secondary Metabolism: Differential Expression in Plants and In Vitro Cultures and Functional Expression in Genetically Transformed Microorganisms

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Plants had to develop strategies for defence against microorganisms and herbivores during evolution. The evolution of chemical defence, i.e. the production of the so-called secondary products can be regarded as one of the most important means in this context (Swain 1977, Rosenthal and Janzen 1979, Wink 1988). Since secondary metabolites evolved as biologically active compounds, it is not surprising that man has found a use for many of them, e.g. as medicinal agents, flavours, spices, colours, stimulants, hallucinogens, or pesticides. As a consequence, quite a number of secondary plant products are of economical importance.