The production of cyanide * glycosides by certain plants, including cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), and white clover (Trifolium repens). The glycosides, found largely in water solution in the vacuole, yield a sugar and hydrogen cyanide on hydrolysis. Their function is uncertain but they may serve to detoxify harmful by-products of necessary metabolic reactions. They may also act as an emergency sugar store and, because of their poisonous nature, can play a role in deterring invasion or damage by disease and pest organisms. |
