ABSTRACT
Evidence is accumulating that like the apparent situation with carbohydrates, metabolites from plant lipids may act as signals for regulation of metabolism in plants. These lipid metabolites may have a role in plant growth and development and in biotic and abiotic stress response. Several studies indicate that at least one effect of auxins on plant cells is the alteration of membrane lipids. Auxins are a group of plant hormones involved in the regulation of diverse processes. In addition to the correlation between lipoxygenase activity and pest resistance, a number of workers have found that certain lipoxygenase products affect certain plant pathogens. Finally, lipid metabolites appear to be involved in pest resistance/wound response. Rapid, intense lipid peroxidation occurs upon wounding of plant tissues.
