Biosynthetic pathway of pigments in phalaenopsis species

In the present chapter, the common biosynthetic pathway of flavonoids and anthocyanins in the Phalaenopsis species and those in other plants are discussed and compared. The flavonoid pathway is part of the larger phenylpropanopid metabolism, which produces a range of other secondary metabolites, such as phenolic acids, lignins, lignans, stilbenes, and chalcones. Although the accumulation of anthocyanins in plants is a sophisticated process involving several enzymes, the key enzymes in the Phalaenopsis species that determine the colors of flowers are UDP glucose: flavonoid glucosyl transferases (UFGTs) related to the glucosylation of the pigments. According to the results from enzymatic activity assays, the biosynthetic pathway of the major pigments in the Phalaenopsis species was revised.