Monolignol

[1] The monolignols are derived from the amino acid phenylalanine via the phenylpropanoid pathway involving various enzymes.

[3] The difference between lignans and lignin is the number of monolignols they are composed of.

Lignans are typically dimers and therefore soluble and susceptible to biodegradation.

Lignin is a polymer with an inert nature that forms the structures of woody plants.

The ratio of the three monolignols as well as their linkages varies depending on the plant species.