Abstract: Gossypol, one kind of sesquiterpene phytoalxins, which is synthesized in pigment glands of cotton outer tissues such as root and seed,has been widely applied in medical, industrial and agricultural areas. Recently, studies on biosynthesis of gossypol and its derivatives have made a great progress and many key enzymes have been cloned and characterized. It is of significance to understand the biosynthetic pathway and to mannually control gossypol content with genetic modification. This paper reviews the researh progress in biosynthetic parthway of gossypol, its derivatives, and relative key enzymes; prospects the application of gossypol in all fields.

Key words: gossypol, sesquiterpene phytoalxins, MVA pathway, DXP pathway, pigment glands

摘要： 棉酚作为一种倍半萜烯类植物抗菌素广泛存在于棉花的根、种子等表皮组织的色素腺体里。该化合物已在医药、工业和农业等领域得到广泛应用。近来对棉酚及其衍生物合成途径的研究日趋深入，许多关键酶基因已得到克隆和分析。掌握棉酚及其衍生物的生物合成途径，并试图通过基因工程改造的方法来控制植物体棉酚的合成具有重要意义。概述了棉酚及其衍生物合成途径和关键酶的研究进展并展望其应用前景。

关键词: 棉酚, 倍半萜烯类植物抗菌素, MVA途径, DXP途径, 色素腺体