University of Idaho eTOX - Principles of Environmental Toxicology the study of Toxic Substances in the Environment
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Lecture 15 - Ecological Biochemistry

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Learning Objectives

  1. Define ecological biochemistry.
    Explain biochemical adaptation and the roles of secondary compounds.
  2. Describe detoxification and the primary metabolic pathways in plants and animals.
  3. Explain the key processes and factors involved in biotransformation & biodegradation.
  4. Explain the concepts of sequestration, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification.
  5. Contrast different forms of ecological biochemical interaction.

Advance Reading

  1. Richards, pp 55-76
  2. International Venom and Toxin Database (Surf and review)
  3. Poisonous Plants Home Page (Surf and review)
  4. Toxic Agents in Plants (Surf and review)

Resources

Keywords

  • Biotoxin
  • Evolution
  • Acclimatization
  • Survival strategy
  • Secondary plant compounds
  • Alleopathy
  • Alleochemicals
  • Allomones
  • Kairomones
  • Biosynthesis
  • Detoxification
  • Biotransformation
  • Biodegradation
  • Sequestration
  • Bioaccumulation
  • Phytoremediation
  • Biomagnification
  • Bioconcentration
  • Ecological biochemical interaction
  • Venom

Suggested Reading

  1. International Society of Chemical Ecology
  2. Chemical Ecology of the Southern Pine Beetle
  3. Chemical Ecology of the Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner
  4. Chemical Ecology: A View from the Pharmaceutical Industry (PNAS)

Lecture Materials

Slides
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Lecture Activities

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Discussion

 

Question or Comment? E-mail etox@uidaho.edu

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