Natural product formation by plant cell biotechnology

This short review tries to compile some results, which show the importance and the potential of plant cell and tissue cultures for a biotechnological production of natural products. On the other hand, it can not be denied, that a real breakthrough of this technique has not yet been achieved. The problems involved and possible ways to overcome these will be discussed.Dedicated to the memory of Prof. Dr. G. Haberlandt on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his death