: Modern research uses metagenomics and gene mining to uncover "silent" biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in microbes, potentially revealing new chemotypes.
Bioactive natural products represent a diverse array of chemical scaffolds evolved over millions of years to perform specific biological functions. These compounds, primarily secondary metabolites, serve as a cornerstone for modern drug discovery, contributing to approximately 24% of all approved drugs. 1. Classification and Chemical Diversity Bioactive Natural Products: Chemistry and Biology
: Polyphenolic compounds like curcumin and quercetin, known for their significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. : Modern research uses metagenomics and gene mining
The chemistry of these products is inextricably linked to their biology through specialized enzymatic pathways. primarily secondary metabolites
: Assembled from acetate and malonate units via "assembly line" enzymes, producing complex structures like erythromycin.
