Apiose is a unique branched-chain pentose found principally in plants. It is a key component of structurally complex cell wall polysaccharides, as well as being present in a large number of naturally occurring secondary metabolites. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on the metabolism and natural occurrence of apiose, using cyanogenic glycosides and their related compounds as a case study. The biological function of apiose and of apiosylated compounds is discussed.
Keywords: UDP-apiose/UDP-xylose synthase; apiose; apiosylated compounds; cyanogenic glycosides; rhamnogalacturonan II.
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