Bitter Compounds and Its Biosynthesis in Melon: Research Progress

doi:10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb18030040

Abstract

Abstract: The bitter compounds in melon belong to cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, and the main form is cucurbitacin B, which could help plants to resist herbivores and possess some medicinal value to humans. To select elite melon varieties, carry out the rapid synthesis and improvement of cucurbitacins, and lay a foundation for the development of related medicine, this paper summarizes the chemical structure and detective methods of bitter compounds, and concludes the biosynthesis and metabolic regulation of cucurbitacin B. It points out that cucurbitadienol synthase is the key enzyme in the pathway of cucurbitacin B synthesis and the accumulation of bitterness in fruit, which is regulated by a class of transcription factors. The paper also discusses the breeding direction concerning the bitterness of melon.

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