The role of phenolic compounds in plant resistance

Abstract

Phenolic compounds are plant secondary metabolites playing important roles in plant resistance. Their chemical structure is based on at least one aromatic ring bonded to one or more hydroxyl groups. They are mainly synthetized from amino acid phenylalanine which is converted to cinnamic acid. Phenolics are one of the largest and most diverse groups of plant active substances. These compounds take part in the regulation of seed germination and cooperate in regulating the growth of plants, also taking part in defence responses during infection, excessive sun exposure, injuries and heavy metal stress. One of the most important features of phenolic compounds is antioxidant activity which is closely related to their chemical structure. The aim of this review is to discuss the role of phenolic compounds in the interactions of plants with various stress factors, both biotic and abiotic with special attention to their antioxidant properties.