Figure 2.

Schematic representation of plant biosynthetic pathways involved in the biosynthesis of primary and secondary metabolites in plants. Some of the represented compounds and precursors have their concentrations altered in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. The understanding of the dynamics and mechanisms of such alterations, as well as their biological functions, is fundamental to support the development of new cultivars, more tolerant or resistant to adverse environmental conditions. In this context, metabolic profiling strategies are invaluable tools to access the information concerning these metabolic alterations.