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Lecture 15 - Ecological Biochemistry

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Learning Objectives

  1. Define ecological biochemistry. Explain biochemical adaptation and the roles of secondary compounds.
  2. Describe detoxification and the primary metabolic pathways in plants and animals.
  3. Explain the key processes and factors involved in biotransformation & biodegradation.
  4. Explain the concepts of sequestration, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification.
  5. Contrast different forms of ecological biochemical interaction.

LECTURE MATERIALS

Slides

PDF Notes

LECTURE ACTIVITIES

Homework

Discussion

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Advanced Reading

  1. Richards 2nd ed., pp 61-85
  2. Fraenkel, G. S. (1959) Raison d'Etre of Secondary Plant Substances. Science 129 (3361): 1466-1470 (A seminal work in chemical ecology).
  3. Poisonous Plants Home Page (Surf and review)
  4. Toxic Agents in Plants (Surf and review)

Resources

Keywords

  • Biotoxin
  • Evolution
  • Acclimatization
  • Survival strategy
  • Secondary plant compounds
  • Alleopathy
  • Alleochemicals
  • Allomones
  • Kairomones
  • Biosynthesis
  • Detoxification
  • Biotransformation
  • Biodegradation
  • Sequestration
  • Bioaccumulation
  • Phytoremediation
  • Biomagnification
  • Bioconcentration
  • Ecological biochemical interaction
  • Venom

Suggested Reading

  1. International Society of Chemical Ecology
  2. Chemical Ecology of the Southern Pine Beetle
  3. Chemical Ecology of the Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner
  4. Chemical Ecology: A View from the Pharmaceutical Industry (PNAS)