The genetics and molecular genetics of terpene and sterol origami

Terpenes and sterols are complex molecules synthesized by equally complex biosynthetic pathways. Recent progress in using the tools of genetics, molecular genetics and genetic engineering to dissect triterpene metabolism in the cytosol, and terpene metabolism in the plastids, has opened up new strategies and avenues of investigation. Most importantly, these studies have enhanced our appreciation of the biological significance of these compounds for plants, and have revealed new secrets of this intriguing biochemistry for practical applications in agriculture and medicine. Genetic and molecular genetic approaches have identified new roles for sterols in embryogenesis, demonstrated roles for triterpenes as defense compounds, and provided the means for engineering new output traits in transgenic plants