Phytomelatonin: History, Biosynthesis, and Functions
摘要
Melatonin synthesized by plants is known as phytomelatonin. It is a ubiquitous indolamine, largely investigated for its key functioning in the regulation of many morpho-physiological activities in plants. The biosynthesis of melatonin in plants starts from tryptophan through many similar successive enzymatic steps. The role of phytomelatonin in many transcriptional processes through altering the genes confirms its significant involvement as a multi-regulatory molecule that leads the many aspects of plant development. The current chapter addresses the history and biosynthesis of phytomelatonin. The potential role of phytomelatonin in agriculture as a growth regulator, photosynthesis, antioxidant defense system, plant hormone interaction, and secondary metabolism are also described briefly.