The biosynthesis, compartmentation, and catabolism of cyanogenic glycosides are discussed
for the cases of some selected examples. These include amygdalin (occurring widely
in the Rosaceae), the aliphatic cyanogens linamarin and lotaustralin (widely occurring,
especially in the Leguminosae), and dhurrin together with its epimer taxiphyllin (occurring
in the genus Sorghum). Mechanistic studies including tracer experiments are described in detail. Unusual
and even unique metabolites of amino acids have been identified as intermediates in
these biosynthetic processes.
Cyanogenic glycosides - natural product metabolism - biosynthesis - compartmentation
- catabolism - amygdalin - linamarin - lotaustralin - dhurrin
