Acylsugars are a group of plant-derived secondary metabolites that lack nitrogen. They typically consist of aliphatic acyl groups of low to medium chain lengths esterified to the hydroxyl groups of glucose or sucrose. Presence of such acyl groups gives these compounds hydrophobic properties. This group of compounds has been extensively studied in tomato and related species, in which these compounds are produced and secreted from trichomes on the plant leaf and stem surface. Production of copious quantities of these acylsugars give a sticky feel to the plant tissue. It is believed that acylsugars provide physical and/or chemical defense to the plant.
Distribution
Some species that are known to produce acylsugars include Solanum lycopersicum, Solanum pennellii, Solanum habrochaites, Nicotiana benthamiana, Petunia axillaris and Petunia integrifolia.