Manipulation of lignin in plants with special reference to O-methyltransferase

Lignin is a phenolic heteropolymer that constitutes the second most abundant organic constituent on earth, after cellulose. On one hand, lignin is important for plants conferring rigidity, mechanical strength, water impermeability and resistance to pathogen invasion, but on the other hand, it limits the agricultural and industrial applications of plants for mankind consequently leading to environmental and economical losses. The present article provides a highlight of various biotechnological approaches used to alter lignin content and composition of plants. The studies, including ours, that target a major lignin biosynthetic pathway enzyme, O-methyltransferase, are emphasized.