Plant Lectins
Chemistry and Pharmacology of Natural Products Series

This volume surveys the chemistry, biochemistry, biosynthesis, metabolism and pharmacological properties of lectins. Lectins, which are most commonly found in plants, are widespread natural products with striking biological activities. Their specific ability to recognise and bind to simple or complex saccharides facilitates their role as effective information protein molecules. As agents of cell-to-cell recognition, lectins promote symbiosis between plants and specific nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria. As natural defensive molecules, they can protect plants against predators such as bacteria, fungi and insects. As part of our diet, lectins are powerful exogenous growth factors in the small intestine and influence our health, the digestive function and the bacterial ecology of the alimentary tract. Lectins are also important research tools in preparative biochemistry and cell science.

Introduction; 1. Lectins and their specificity; 2. Structure of lectins; 3. Localization and biosynthesis in plants; 4. Biological functions in plants; 5. Effects on blood cells; 6. General effects on animals cells; References; Glossary; Index.