Regulation of Flavonoid and Phytoalexin Accumulation Through mRNA and Enzyme Induction in Cultured Plant Cells

Higher plants, in contrast to higher animals, do not perform active movement and do not possess a circulating blood stream for the rapid distribution of antibodies. Therefore, higher plants depend on the existence and function of special defense mechanisms to protect themselves against various kinds of injurious influences from the environment. UV irradiation and invasion by microbial pathogens are two potential dangers to which plants must respond by the rapid induction of appropriate defense reactions.