Allelochemicals
Allelochemicals (pronounced: al-uh-loh-kem-i-kals) are a type of chemical compound produced by plants, microorganisms, and animals that can have beneficial or harmful effects on other organisms. The term "allelochemical" is derived from the Greek words "allelon," meaning "of each other," and "chemia," meaning "chemistry."
Definition
Allelochemicals are secondary metabolites that are not necessary for the survival of the organism but can influence the survival and growth of other organisms in the same ecosystem. They can act as growth inhibitors, attractants, repellents, or toxins, depending on the specific compound and the organism it affects.
Types of Allelochemicals
There are several types of allelochemicals, including phenolic compounds, terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Each of these types has different effects on other organisms.
Phenolic Compounds
Phenolic compounds are a type of allelochemical that can inhibit the growth of other plants. They are often found in the roots, leaves, and seeds of plants.
Terpenoids
Terpenoids are another type of allelochemical that can act as a repellent to insects and other pests. They are commonly found in the essential oils of plants.
Alkaloids
Alkaloids are a type of allelochemical that can have toxic effects on other organisms. They are often found in the bark, roots, and seeds of plants.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are a type of allelochemical that can act as a growth inhibitor. They are commonly found in the flowers, fruits, and leaves of plants.
Effects of Allelochemicals
The effects of allelochemicals can vary widely depending on the specific compound and the organism it affects. Some allelochemicals can inhibit the growth of other plants, while others can act as a repellent to insects and other pests. In some cases, allelochemicals can even have toxic effects on other organisms.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Allelochemicals
- Wikipedia's article - Allelochemicals
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski