Purdue University researchers have captured evolution in
action through the discovery of a new set of metabolites synthesized by
Arabidopsis plants, according to research findings published this week in the
journal Science.
Clint Chapple, distinguished professor of biochemistry;
former Purdue graduate student Jing-Ke Weng; current Purdue graduate student Yi
Li; and Huaping Mo, associate director of the Purdue Interdepartmental NMR
Facility, were studying how new metabolic pathways evolve in plants when they
discovered the metabolites, which they are calling arabidopyrones. Many
different metabolites are used by plants for defense, pigmentation and to
attract pollinators, while others are used by humans as pharmaceuticals and
flavorings.