| Abstract | Seed plants are characterized by specific metabolic products of great variety. They comprise terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, and generally are referred to as secondary metabolites or products. Essential oils, pigments, latex, spices, and poisons are some of the plant products composed of secondary metabolites. Taxonomic and ecological relevance, chemical structure, and physiological activity have stimulated interest in secondary products for years. More recently they have gained in prominence as markers in cytogenetic and as products in morphogenetic studies (Mohr, 1969; Potrykus, 1971; Hess 1975; Dudits et al., 1979, 1980). Some secondary metabolites are important industrial commodities. |
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