Biosynthesis, regulation and properties of plant monoterpenoids

Monoterpenes are a big family of natural products which are well-known as the constituents of the essential oils and defensive oleoresins of the aromatic plants. In addition to ecological roles in pollinator attraction, allelopathy and the plant defense, monoterpenes are used extensively in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Monoterpenes are widely spread in plants, from algae and fungi to monocots and dicots. The production of monoterpenes is usually associated with plastids in the plant cells. The biosynthesis pathways of monoterpenes include the synthesis of C5 precursor isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and its allylic isomer dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). All the levels of monoterpenes are thought to be principally controlled transcriptionally and post transcriptionally. In addition, in response to biotic and abiotic factors, the biosynthesis process of the monoterpenoid in the plants can be spatially and temporally regulated during the development phase. This review summarizes the most recent advancements in biosynthetic pathway, metabolism regulation, medicinal properties and ecological roles of the monoterpenoids. Key words: MEP pathway, ecological roles, medicinal properties, metabolism regulation, monoterpenes.