Alkaloids - Secrets of Life: Aklaloid Chemistry, Biological Significance, Applications and
Ecological Role
Alkaloids, represent a group of interesting and complex chemical compounds, produced by the secondary
metabolism of living
organisms in different biotopes. They are relatively common chemicals in all kingdoms
of living organisms in all environments. Two hundred years of scientific
research has still not fully explained the
connections between
Alkaloids and life.
Alkaloids-Chemistry, Biological Significance, Applications and Ecological Role provides knowledge on structural
typology, biosynthesis and metabolism in relation to recent research work on alkaloids. Considering an organic
Chemistry approach to alkaloids using biological and ecological explanation. Within the book several questions
that persist in this field of research are approached as are some unresearched areas.
The book provides beneficial text for an academic and professional audience and serves as a source of knowledge
for anyone who is interested in the fascinating subject of alkaloids. Each chapter features an abstract.
Appendices are included, as are a listing of alkaloids, plants containing alkaloids and some basic protocols
of
Alkaloid analysis.
Of interest to chemists, biologists and ecologists, also serves as a source of knowledge for anyone interested in
alkaloids
Contents
Chapter 1. Definition, Typology and Occurrence
of Alkaloids
Definition
Occurrence in nature
Chapter 2. Alkaloid Chemistry
Alkaloids as secondary metabolism molecules
Synthesis and metabolism
Chapter 3. Biological Significance of Alkaloids
Alkaloids in biology
Bioactivity
Biotoxicity
Narcotics
Alkaloids in the immune system
Genetic approach to alkaloids
Alkaloids in the evolution of organisms
Chapter 4. Applications
Medicinal applications
Alkaloids as drugs
Agricultural applications
Biotechnology
Chapter 5. Ecological Role of Alkaloids
Animal sequestration of alkaloids
Sexual behaviour
Feeding atractance and deterrence
A case study: Alkaloids and plant population changes
More abstracts about the Alkaloids - Secrets of Life