STRATEGIES FOR THE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION OF NEW BIODEGRADABLE POLYESTERS IN PLANTS - A REVIEW

In this study we review relevant pathways with regard to the productio n of poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) (PHA) with medium chain length monomers in higher plants. On the basis of what is known of the genetics and t he biochemistry of PHA formation in bacteria, and of fatty acid metabo lism in various organisms, a number of possibilities for PHA productio n in model plants and in economically important crop plants are listed . Along with the molecular biology of PHA synthesis and fatty acid met abolism, we discuss theoretical and environmental considerations, meta bolic engineering strategies, and plant transformation systems.