Review: Accumulation of plant volatile organic compounds

Plant glandular trichomes can store and secrete great amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are important for a variety of processes, from development to interacting with herbivores. VOCs accumulate in specific extracellular spaces which can be subcuticular or intercellular. The active transport of VOCs from the location of biosynthesis to the storage cavity across plasma membranes and cell walls is an essential process for the accumulation of VOCs.  Further research in this area is needed to understand the transport processes. Additionally, the cavities must have a mechanism to limit the release of the VOCs into the atmosphere or into the secretory cells (toxicity). Electron microscopy and immunostaining indicate that the cell wall lining the cavities has a role in retaining VOCs. However, more research is needed to understand the changes in the cell wall and cuticle composition that allow for the accumulation of VOCs in the cavities. (Summary by Julia Miller) Trends Plant Sci. 10.1016/j.tplants.2017.09.001