Role of polyamines in the ontogeny of plants and their biotechnological applications

Recent developments in the metabolism and function of polyamines in plants is presented. Polyamines appear to be involved in a wide range of plant processes, however their exact role is not completely understood. In this review, the metabolic pathways involved in polyamine biosynthesis and degradation are explained, along with the transport and conjugation of these compounds. The studies involved in the understanding of function(s) of polyamines using metabolic inhibitors, as well as genetic and molecular approaches are described. Polyamine metabolism and profound changes in polyamine titres in response to infection by pathogens has been presented. Its role in adaptation of plants to stress is also presented. Molecular understanding of polyamines and their modulation in transgenics is also discussed. Further line of work in the understanding of the role of polyamines has also been focussed.