jasmon

Jasmon is a type of pheromone that plays a crucial role in the signaling pathways of plants and animals. It is a sesquiterpene, a class of organic compounds that are derived from isoprene. Jasmon is synthesized through a series of biochemical reactions that involve the enzyme lipoxygenase.

In plants, jasmon is involved in the response to herbivore attack and environmental stress. It acts as a stress hormone to activate defense genes and induce the production of defensive compounds such as phytotoxins and secondary metabolites. Jasmon has been shown to play a role in systemic acquired resistance, a phenomenon where plants become more resistant to subsequent attacks after being exposed to a pathogen or insecticide.

In addition to its role in plant defense, jasmon has also been implicated in other physiological processes, including fruit ripening and senescence. It has been found to be involved in the regulation of flowering time and seed germination, and has even been linked to human diseases such as asthma and allergies.

The discovery of jasmine and its role in plant defense was initially made in the 1990s by a team of researchers led by Xianzhen Yao. The team isolated a novel compound from the roots of the plant Ruta graveolens and found that it possessed potent insecticidal properties. Further research revealed that this compound, which was later identified as jasmine, was a key player in the plant's response to insect attack.

Jasmon is not just found in plants, it is also present in various animal species including honeybees and squid.