Fenylpropanoidstien

Fenylpropanoidstien does not appear to be a widely recognized term in scientific literature. It may be a misspelling or a nonstandard name. If the intended topic is phenylpropanoids (fenylpropanoïden in Dutch), the following overview summarizes the concept in a concise, neutral manner.

Phenylpropanoids are a large family of plant secondary metabolites derived from the amino acid phenylalanine, formed through the phenylpropanoid pathway, a branch of the shikimate pathway. They encompass a diverse range of compounds, including cinnamic acid derivatives, hydroxycinnamic acids, lignin precursors, flavonoids, stilbenes, coumarins, and lignans. These compounds participate in plant development, defense, pigmentation, and interactions with the environment.

Biosynthesis centers on the enzyme phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), which converts phenylalanine to cinnamate, followed by a series of modifications by enzymes such as cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H) and 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL). The pathway branches to produce structural polymers like lignin, which strengthens cell walls, and a variety of other metabolites involved in UV protection, pathogen and herbivore defense, signaling, and attraction of pollinators.

Occurrence and significance vary by species and tissue, but phenylpropanoids are widespread in the plant kingdom and influence traits such as wood formation, fruit color, and aroma. They have potential applications in agriculture, food, and medicine, and are subject to research aimed at modifying lignin content for biofuel production or enhancing beneficial metabolite profiles. Analytical methods such as HPLC and mass spectrometry are commonly used to study their composition and biosynthesis.