Terpenoid biosynthesis in trichomes-current status and future opportunities

Abstract

Glandular trichomes are anatomical structures specialized for the synthesis of secreted natural products. In this review we focus on the description of glands that accumulate terpenoid essential oils and oleoresins. We also provide an in-depth account of the current knowledge about the biosynthesis of terpenoids and secretion mechanisms in the highly specialized secretory cells of glandular trichomes, and highlight the implications for metabolic engineering efforts. © 2012 Society for Experimental Biology, Association of Applied Biologists and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.