However, this hypothesis has not previously been tested in an ecologically relevant system. While the functional significance of BMAA in cycad tissues has yet to be definitively established, it is widely assumed that BMAA functions as a defensive compound deterring insect herbivory. In addition, BMAA, possibly originating from cyanobacterial symbionts, appears to be universally present in the tissues of cycad plants 8, a traditional food source for many human populations living in tropical regions. BMAA is naturally produced by cyanobacteria living in diverse environments 2, 3, 4 and can bioaccumulate within aquatic and terrestrial food webs 5, such that humans can be exposed to BMAA through environmental and dietary routes 6, 7. The non-proteinogenic amino acid \(\beta\)-methylamino- L-alanine (BMAA) has received considerable attention due to its implication in several human neurodegenerative disorders 1.
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