Abstract
Lipases and phospholipases from plants have very interesting features for potential functions and applications in different fields. Plant lipases and phospholipases are ubiquitous proteins found either in basic or higher organs of plants. This chapter provides an overview of the diverse functions of these enzymes. The chapter addresses the issue of the importance regarding the functions of plant lipolytic enzymes (i.e., lipases and phospholipases) and their different forms not only for plants but also for external applications. The commercial exploitation of such plant proteins as industrial enzymes would be made as a potentially attractive alternative. The applications of plant lipases and phospholipases in biotechnology and industry such of food, detergents, effluent treatment, biodiesel production, as well as medicines and nutraceuticals are reviewed.
TopBackground
In plants, enzymes with lipolytic activity are of great importance in plant metabolism, growth and development. Lipases and phospholipases from plants, which are the focus of the current chapter have crucial cellular and physiological functions to maintain the vital signs of the plants.
The membrane lipid of plants in particular glycerolipids, are subject to constant turnover by the relevant lipid catalyzing enzymes, phospholipases and galactolipases. In fact, different lipase activities could be distinguished based on the substrate specificity and the position of the cleavage site within the plant lipid molecule (Dörmann, 2005). Yet, the plant mechanism underlying the regulation of membrane lipid degradation, synthesis and homeostasis are only poorly understood.