N Agerbirk

Biography

 He teachs biochemistry, natural product chemistry and general first year chemistry. My research is on natural product analysis, structure elucidation and functional characterization of enzymes, focusing on plant secondary metabolites and related enzymes. These compounds probably evolved as defences against insects and disease, but also affect nutrition. The research is of basic, meaning that the purpose is not discovery of particular uses, but rather discovering and clarifying entirely new molecules and reactions.

Research Interest

Current research interests: Plant secondary metabolism. Biochemical investigations of the glucosinolate-myrosinase system and non-glucosinolate defences in crucifers. The current focus is on glucosinolate diversity and evolution and glucosinolates as intermediates in biosynthesis of non-glucosinolate defences. Insect-plant biochemical interactions. Chemical basis of resistance and susceptibility to insects and disease. The current focus is on discovery of new defence molecules. In all cases, investigations range from elucidation of molecular structures and biochemical pathways to ecological and evolutionary investigations.