Phenolic cycle in plants and environment

Phenolic substances are synthesized in plants and in the soil. They exist in the form of polymers and monomers. The latter group of phenolics is assembled within the chloroplasts of plant cells, whereas soil phenolics are associated with the process of humus formation on the alumino-silicate matrix of the soil micelle. As plants grow, phenolics accumulate in cell vacuoles, or polymerize into lignin, which strengthens the secondary cell walls. In addition to this, phenolics possess also some physiological functions as they regulate cell elongation. When they are excreted from plant root systems they exert inhibitory growth function within adjacent rhizospheres. This work presents the latest experimental evidence of phenolic synthesis and transformation in the environment, while providing an understanding of their effect in plant-soil relations.