Taxonomic significance of alkaloids in the genus Adenocarpus (FabaceaeGenisteae)

The alkaloid composition of seeds from 10 different species and subspecies of the genus Adenocarpus was analyzed by capillary GC and GC-MS. At least nine alkaloids could be identified. Four compounds have not been formerly reported for the genus Adenocarpus. Significant differences were found in the alkaloid pattern of flowers, seeds, leaves and twigs. Seeds accumulate simple pyrrolizidine alkaloids as major compounds, whereas leaves and twigs contain the bipiperidyl alkaloids cis- and rans- adenocarpine as predominant constituents. Flowers store high amounts of tyramine. The alkaloidal data support the idea of an affinity Adenocarpus with Laburnum and Cytisophyllum. Author Keywords: Adenocarpus; Fabaceae; Genisteae; bipiperidyl alkaloids; pyrrolizidine alkaloids; tyramine; chemotaxonomy

Alkaloids - Secrets of Life: Alkaloid Chemistry, Biological Significance, Applications and Ecological Role
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Presents the ecological role of alkaloids in nature and ecosystems Interdisciplinary and reader friendly approach Up-to-date knowledge

Alkaloids represent a group of interesting and complex chemical compounds, produced by the secondary metabolism of living organisms in different biotopes. They are relatively common chemicals in all kingdoms of living organisms in all environments. Two hundred years of scientific research has still not fully explained the connections between alkaloids and life. Alkaloids-Chemistry, Biological Significance, Applications and Ecological Role provides knowledge on structural typology, biosynthesis and metabolism in relation to recent research work on alkaloids. Considering an organic chemistry approach to alkaloids using biological and ecological explanation. Within the book several questions that persist in this field of research are approached as are some unresearched areas. The book provides beneficial text for an academic and professional audience and serves as a source of knowledge for anyone who is interested in the fascinating subject of alkaloids. Each chapter features an abstract. Appendices are included, as are a listing of alkaloids, plants containing alkaloids and some basic protocols of alkaloid analysis.

Of interest to chemists, biologists and ecologists, also serves as a source of knowledge for anyone interested in alkaloids Contents Chapter 1. Definition, Typology and Occurrence of Alkaloids
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Definition Occurrence in nature

Chapter 2. Alkaloid Chemistry

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Alkaloids as secondary metabolism molecules Synthesis and metabolism

Chapter 3. Biological Significance of Alkaloids

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Alkaloids in biology Bioactivity Biotoxicity Narcotics Alkaloids in the immune system Genetic approach to alkaloids Alkaloids in the evolution of organisms

Chapter 4. Applications
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Medicinal applications Alkaloids as drugs Agricultural applications Biotechnology

Chapter 5. Ecological Role of Alkaloids

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Animal sequestration of alkaloids Sexual behavior Feeding atractance and deterrence A case study: Alkaloids and plant population changes

Alkaloids represent a group of interesting and complex chemical compounds, produced by the secondary metabolism of living organisms in different biotopes. They are relatively common chemicals in all kingdoms of living organisms in all environments. Two hundred years of scientific research has still not fully explained the connections between alkaloids and life. Alkaloids-Chemistry, Biological Significance, Applications and Ecological Role provides knowledge on structural typology, biosynthesis and metabolism in relation to recent research work on alkaloids. Considering an organic chemistry approach to alkaloids using biological and ecological explanation. Within the book several questions that persist in this field of research are approached as are some unresearched areas. The book provides beneficial text for an academic and professional audience and serves as a source of knowledge for anyone who is interested in the fascinating subject of alkaloids. Each chapter features an abstract. Appendices are included, as are a listing of alkaloids, plants containing alkaloids and some basic protocols of alkaloid analysis. * Presents the ecological role of alkaloids in nature and ecosystems * Interdisciplinary and reader friendly approach * Up-to-date knowledge http://books.google.com/books/about/Alkaloids_secrets_of_life.html?id=a1Z6oJLdgMC