Plant Biology: VOCs and Badh2 Gene

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

• Definition: Small, carbon-based molecules that evaporate quickly, releasing a strong smell
• Characteristics:
  • Low molecular weight
  • High vapor pressure
  • Lipid solubility
• Functions:
  • Attract pollinators and other beneficial insects
  • Defend against herbivores and pathogens
  • Communicate with other plants

Badh2 Gene

• Full name: Betal Actaldehyde Dehydrogenase 2
• Function: Encodes an enzyme involved in the synthesis of aroma compounds
• Specific role: Converts geraniol to geranic acid, a key precursor to various VOCs

Plant Aroma Metabolism

• Pathway: Geraniol → Geranic acid → Various VOCs (e.g., linalool, beta-caryophyllene)
• Regulation:
  • Badh2 gene expression regulates the flux of geraniol to geranic acid
  • Other genes and enzymes involved in the pathway are also regulated
• Impact:
  • Alters the composition and quantity of VOCs produced
  • Affects the overall aroma and fragrance of the plant

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

• VOCs are small, carbon-based molecules that evaporate quickly, releasing a strong smell
• They have low molecular weight, high vapor pressure, and lipid solubility
• VOCs attract pollinators and other beneficial insects
• They defend against herbivores and pathogens
• VOCs communicate with other plants

Badh2 Gene

• Badh2 stands for Betal Actaldehyde Dehydrogenase 2
• It encodes an enzyme involved in the synthesis of aroma compounds
• The enzyme converts geraniol to geranic acid, a key precursor to various VOCs

Plant Aroma Metabolism

Pathway

• The pathway involves the conversion of geraniol to geranic acid and then to various VOCs (e.g., linalool, beta-caryophyllene)

Regulation

• The Badh2 gene expression regulates the flux of geraniol to geranic acid
• Other genes and enzymes involved in the pathway are also regulated

Impact

• The regulation of VOC production alters the composition and quantity of VOCs produced
• This affects the overall aroma and fragrance of the plant

Explore the characteristics and functions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in plants, and learn about the Badh2 gene's role in aroma compound synthesis.