Glycosylation of secondary metabolites and xenobiotics

Abstract

Glycosyltransferases of small molecules are encoded by a large multigene family in the plant kingdom. These enzymes transfer sugars from nucleotide sugars to a wide range of acceptors, from hormones and secondary metabolites to biotic and abiotic chemicals, thereby alter the physical and chemical properties of the acceptors, their bioactivity and subcellular localisation. This chapter focuses on the current understanding in the biochemistry of these enzymes and their biological roles in the plant.