Biotransformation,Plant Cells,Bioconversion,Catharanthus Roseus,Rauwolfia Serpentina

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	Biotransformation - Modification of an exogenous compound by plant cells (or other biological entities) is called biotransformation or bioconversion. The bioconversion reactions catalyzed by enzymes present in plant cells include esterification, oxidation, reduction, hydroxylation and glycosylation. In all cases, the stereo and regioselectivity expressed by the in vivo process is of enormous advantage.
However, the low rates of biotransformation have prevented their commercial exploitation. The interest in bioconversion is mainly because the product of the process is more useful or valuable than the precursor used. For example, cell cultures of several species, i.e., Datura innoxia, Catharanthus roseus, Rauwolfia serpentina, biotransform hydroquinone into its β-D-glucoside called arbutin. Arbutin is an efficient suppressor of melanin biosynthesis in human skin, and is used in cosmetics.