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Plant Anthocyanins: Structure, Biosynthesis Regulation, Functions, and Ecology

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Abstract

The review summarizes current information about anthocyanins (AnC) and their localization in various plant organs and tissues. The pathways and regulation of AnC biosynthesis, the functional significance, and ecological role of these compounds in metabolism and adaptation of plants to environmental conditions are considered. Data on the induction of AnC synthesis under the action of stress factors and during plant growth and development are summarized. Special attention is given to the role of AnC in protection of the photosynthetic apparatus. The prospects for further research and the use of AnC as indicators of plant organism’s state are discussed. The importance of these compounds for humans and human health is mentioned.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I am grateful to Dr. M.A. Shelyakin for help in preparing the figures and bibliography.

Funding

This work was carried out within the framework of the theme of state budget research and development “Photosynthesis, Respiration, and Bioenergetics of Plants and Phototrophic Organisms (Physiological–Biochemical, Molecular–Genetic, and Environmental Aspects),” no. 122040600021-4.

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  1. Institute of Biology, Komi Research Center, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, Russia

    T. K. Golovko

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Correspondence to T. K. Golovko.

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Abbreviations: AnC—anthocyanins; PSII—photosystem II; PSA—photosynthetic apparatus; qP and NPQ—photochemical and nonphotochemical quenching of chlorophyll a fluorescence in PSII; ROS—reactive oxygen species; TF—transcription factor; VXC—violaxanthin cycle.

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Golovko, T.K. Plant Anthocyanins: Structure, Biosynthesis Regulation, Functions, and Ecology. Russ J Plant Physiol 70, 161 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1021443723700292

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