Abstract:
According to modern ideas, the biosynthesis of lignin consists of two main stages, the first of which includes the formation of aromatic monomeric precursors of lignin synthesised in the plant from carbon dioxide via carbohydrates and the second involves the construction of the lignin macromolecule from the monomeric precursors. The review deals with studies which led to the determination of the individual stages in the biosynthesis of the aromatic precursors of lignin in plants and also with the main features of the formation of polymeric lignin in its synthesis from coniferyl alcohol in vitro. Certain aspects of the biosynthesis of lignin in vivo have also been considered. The bibliography includes 288 references.