Organic sulfur compounds

Definition

Chemicals containing sulfur that are found in plants, particularly glucosinolates and cysteine derivative amino acids, and their breakdown products. These compounds can have significant ecological interactions with insects and arthropods, often acting as defense mechanisms or attractants.

Etymology

From the combination of 'organic' (referring to carbon-based compounds) and 'sulfur', indicating the presence of sulfur in the chemical structure.

Example

Glucosinolates are organic sulfur compounds found in plants like broccoli, cabbage, and mustard that can affect insect behavior and physiology.

Related Terms

• Glucosinolates
• Cysteine
• Sulfur metabolism
• Plant-insect interactions