Geranylgeranyl diphosphate

Definition

Geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of isoprenoids, which are essential components in the growth and development of plants. This compound plays a crucial role in the synthesis of various plant hormones and secondary metabolites that influence plant physiology, including auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. GGPP serves as a precursor for the synthesis of gibberellins, which are hormones that promote stem elongation, seed germination, and flowering in plants.
2. It also plays a critical role in the formation of cytokinins, which are hormones responsible for cell division and differentiation.
3. GGPP can be converted into other important compounds such as chlorophylls and carotenoids, essential for photosynthesis and plant health.
4. In addition to hormone synthesis, GGPP is involved in the production of phytoalexins, which help plants defend against pathogens.
5. The availability of GGPP can significantly affect plant growth patterns, influencing processes like root development and nutrient uptake.

Review Questions

• How does geranylgeranyl diphosphate contribute to the synthesis of major plant hormones?
  • Geranylgeranyl diphosphate is a vital precursor in the biosynthetic pathways of several key plant hormones. Specifically, it is essential for the formation of gibberellins and cytokinins. Gibberellins promote growth processes like stem elongation and flowering, while cytokinins are crucial for cell division. The synthesis of these hormones relies on GGPP's availability and conversion into specific hormone forms.
• Discuss the significance of geranylgeranyl diphosphate in relation to isoprenoid biosynthesis in plants.
  • Geranylgeranyl diphosphate is an important intermediate in isoprenoid biosynthesis, which encompasses a wide range of compounds that play critical roles in plant functions. This includes not only hormones but also secondary metabolites that help plants adapt to their environment. The production of terpenes and other compounds derived from GGPP showcases its significance in plant defense mechanisms and overall vitality.
• Evaluate how fluctuations in levels of geranylgeranyl diphosphate might impact plant development and stress responses.
  • Fluctuations in geranylgeranyl diphosphate levels can significantly influence plant development and stress responses. High levels may enhance hormone production leading to improved growth and stress resilience, while low levels can hinder hormone synthesis, resulting in stunted growth or increased susceptibility to pathogens. Understanding GGPP's role helps elucidate how plants manage hormonal balance under varying environmental conditions, affecting overall fitness and survival.

Related terms

Isoprenoids: A diverse class of organic compounds derived from isoprene units, important for many biological functions in plants, including growth regulation and stress responses.

Terpenes: A large and varied class of organic compounds produced by plants, derived from isoprenoid precursors like GGPP, and often involved in plant defense and signaling.

Hormone biosynthesis: The biochemical process by which plant hormones are synthesized, often involving various precursors like GGPP to form active hormone molecules.