ABSTRACT
Isoprenoid compounds having a wide variety of structures and functions are known to occur in the plant kingdom. Many of these compounds play vital roles in the metabolism and development of higher plants. This chapter discusses primarily the biochemistry and chemical regulation of rubber biosynthesis in Parthenium argentatum. A short discussion of the enzymology and biochemistry of rubber synthesis is necessary to understand the regulation of rubber biosynthesis in guayule. Several extensive studies have been made on the regulation of rubber biosynthesis in guayule. An outstanding feature of rubber biosynthesis in guayule is that it is stimulated by low night temperatures. Induction of terpenoid synthesis by organic amines has been demonstrated in several tissues. Of special interest in this class of compounds are the substituted tertiary and secondary amines.
