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Biology and Biochemistry of Underground Plant Storage Organs

  • Chapter
Functionality of Food Phytochemicals

Part of the book series: Recent Advances in Phytochemistry ((RAPT,volume 31))

Abstract

Higher plants have evolved various ways of accumulating large amounts of assimilates, including both primary and secondary metabolites (micro- and macromolecules), in a single organ/location. Specialized cells and tissues such as trichomes, nectaries, and resin canals synthesize compounds which may protect the plants against pathogens and pests. A major mode of assimilate accumulation is the formation of seeds and fruits, which in most cases are the end result of sexual reproduction, although seeds can also originate through apomixis and fruits through treatment with growth regulators. A substantial amount of information is now available on the developmental and biochemical aspects of such organs,1 including the accumulation of starch,2 proteins,3 and a wide diversity of phytochemicals.4 In contrast, much less is known about the phytochemistry, biochemistry, and development of underground storage organs. This is surprising, considering that storage roots and tubers such as cassava, sweet potato, and potato constitute important staples for people in developing as well as developed countries in both tropical and temperate areas. This review summarizes some selected aspects of the phytochemistry, biochemistry, and ethnobotany of underground plant storage organs with emphasis on roots and tubers.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Plant Pathology Department, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA

    Hector E. Flores

  2. Intercollege Graduate Program in Plant Physiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA

    Hector E. Flores & Tere Flores

  3. Science, Technology, and Society Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA

    Hector E. Flores

Authors
  1. Hector E. Flores
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  2. Tere Flores
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada

    Timothy Johns

  2. University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA

    John T. Romeo

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Flores, H.E., Flores, T. (1997). Biology and Biochemistry of Underground Plant Storage Organs. In: Johns, T., Romeo, J.T. (eds) Functionality of Food Phytochemicals. Recent Advances in Phytochemistry, vol 31. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-5919-1_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-5919-1_5

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-7714-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-5919-1

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