Plant cytochromes P450 and peroxidases and their role in degradation of environmental contaminants

Transformation of various xenobiotics by plant cells usually proceeds in th ree phases: derivatization of the: to a more polar and reactive agent (phas e 1), (phase 2) and secondary conjugation (phase 3) with endogenous molecul es. The mixed-function oxidases with cytochromes P450 as terminal oxidases and peroxidases belong to the enzymes of phase 1. These enzymes, in additio n to functions, probably play an important role in the metabolism of xenobi otics in plants. Tho mechanisms of detoxification described.