Miriamin, a Defensive Diterpene from the Eggs of a Land Slug (Arion sp.)
Abstract
The eggs of the land slug Arion sp. contain a diterpene, miriamin, characterized as a polyoxygenated geranylgeraniol derivative. In bioassays with a coccinellid beetle, Harmonia axyridis, miriamin was shown to be potently antifeedant, indicating that the compound plays a protective role in nature. It is suggested that mucilaginous soil-inhabiting organisms, given their intense exposure to pathogens and predators, may be a rich source of chemical defensive agents.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- November 1999
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.96.24.13620
- Bibcode:
- 1999PNAS...9613620S