Metabolic Organization in Plants: A Challenge for the Metabolic Engineer

摘要: Abstract Predictive models of plant metabolism with sufficient power to identify suitable targets for metabolic engineering are desirable, but elusive. The problem is particularly acute in the pathways primary carbon metabolism, and ultimately it stems from complexity network plethora interacting components that determine observed fluxes. This manifested most obviously remarkable biosynthetic capacity extensive subcellular compartmentation steps pathways. However argued while these properties provide a considerable challenge at level identifying enzymes interconversions ‐ indeed definition still incomplete real obstacle predictive modelling lies complete set regulatory mechanisms influence function network. These operate two levels: one molecular crosstalk between effectors enzymes; other gene expression, where relationship fluctuations expression performance poorly understood. tools currently available analysing structure described, particular emphasis on constraints‐based analysis, flux kinetic control analysis. Based varying mix theoretical analysis empirical measurement, all four methods insights into organisation networks fluxes they support. Specifically can be used analyse robustness networks, generate maps reveal genotype phenotype, predict well characterised systems, substrates, No single method provides information necessary engineering, although principle should achieve goal if parameterize completely. sophistication required illustrated by conclusions have emerged studies transgenic plants reduced levels Calvin cycle enzymes. highlight intricate underpin responsiveness stability fixation. It phenotypes rationalised terms qualitative understanding system, not yet possible behaviour quantitatively because interactions involved.