Cyanogenesis in Arthropods: From Chemical Warfare to Nuptial Gifts

Insects
Mika ZagrobelnyS Bak

Abstract

Chemical defences are key components in insect⁻plant interactions, as insects continuously learn to overcome plant defence systems by, e.g., detoxification, excretion or sequestration. Cyanogenic glucosides are natural products widespread in the plant kingdom, and also known to be present in arthropods. They are stabilised by a glucoside linkage, which is hydrolysed by the action of β-glucosidase enzymes, resulting in the release of toxic hydrogen cyanide and deterrent aldehydes or ketones. Such a binary system of components that are chemically inert when spatially separated provides an immediate defence against predators that cause tissue damage. Further roles in nitrogen metabolism and inter- and intraspecific communication has also been suggested for cyanogenic glucosides. In arthropods, cyanogenic glucosides are found in millipedes, centipedes, mites, beetles and bugs, and particularly within butterflies and moths. Cyanogenic glucosides may be even more widespread since many arthropod taxa have not yet been analysed for the presence of this class of natural products. In many instances, arthropods sequester cyanogenic glucosides or their precursors from food plants, thereby avoiding the demand for de novo biosynthesis a...Continue Reading

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Citations

May 16, 2019·Journal of Experimental Botany·Cecilia GotorLuis C Romero
Dec 24, 2019·Protein and Peptide Letters·Valentina De Luca, Luigi Mandrich
Feb 9, 2020·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Adrian Brückner, Joseph Parker
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Nov 17, 2021·Planta medica·Matthias LechtenbergAndreas Hensel

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