Norwich, United Kingdom
November 7, 2012

Plants and microbes produce thousands of chemicals that facilitate communication with pollinators, competitors and predators. These chemicals also serve important functions, for example acting as chemical sunblocks, waterproofing agents, and antifreezing agents, which allow the plant or microbe to survive in the environment.

Individual species differ enormously in the number and types of specialised chemicals they produce. For example, different species of soil bacteria produce different types of antibiotic molecules that kill or deter competing and predatory organisms.

Different species of plants produce different coloured pigments in their petals and fruits. Some plants produce trace amounts of toxic chemicals that can be used to treat various human cancers. Our research has led to the discovery of chemicals that are important for both the survival of the organisms concerned and human health and well being.

The talks from this Friends of John Innes Centre event are now available to watch online.

• Figuring out how plants perform chemical reactions by Sarah O’Connor
• 5 a day the colour way. Targeting human diseases with natural plant products by Eugenio Butelli
• Streptomyces – the antibiotic makers by Mark Buttner

Website: http://www.jic.ac.uk/

Published: November 8, 2012