Biotechnological Relevance of Cytochrome P450 in Boosting Agricultural Production and Food Security

This book explores the untapped potential of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, a highly versatile class of enzymes central to plant metabolism, defense, and growth. With over 95% of plant P450s still functionally uncharacterized, this volume serves as a comprehensive reference for understanding their multifaceted roles in modern agricultural biotechnology. Bridging molecular biology and sustainable agriculture, the book delves into the involvement of P450s in hormone biosynthesis, secondary metabolism, detoxification, and plant-environment interactions. It highlights the growing relevance of P450s in improving crop productivity, enhancing resilience to abiotic and biotic stressors (drought, salinity, pathogens, and heavy metals), and enabling precision breeding through genetic engineering. Key Features:Explains the evolutionary and functional diversity of cytochrome P450 genes in plantsReviews their roles in hormone, fatty acid, sterol, antioxidant, and secondary metabolite biosynthesisDiscusses P450-mediated plant responses to stress: drought, heat, pathogens, flooding, cold, and moreIntroduces cutting-edge biotechnological tools leveraging P450s for crop improvementCombines theoretical foundations with practical applications for food security and environmental sustainabilityThis book is a valuable reference for researchers, postgraduate students, and industry professionals working in plant biotechnology, agricultural microbiology, molecular breeding, and environmental stress physiology. It also serves as a core teaching text for advanced courses in plant molecular biology and crop improvement. By combining scientific depth with practical focus, this book offers timely insights into how cytochrome P450 enzymes can be harnessed to meet the global challenges of sustainable agriculture and food security.