Abstract:

Theanine is a characteristic biochemical component in tea plant（Camellia sinensis）， which involves in regulation of nitrogen metabolism and transportation，and also in quality of tea. It has health benefits on human being such as relaxation and tranquilization. The content of theanine is a quantitative trait. The synthesis of theanine in tea is not only regulated by genes，but also influenced by environment. This paper presented distribution，and variation of theanine in C. sinensis. The metabolic pathway and the related genes，the external factors influencing theanine level as well as the breeding of tea cultivars with high level of theanine were also summarized. And it will provide a reference to select tea resource with high theanine content and research its formation mechanism.

Key words: Camellia sinensis, theanine, breeding, gene