The Shikimate Pathway

The Shikimate Pathway gives a bird's eye view of the shikimate pathway and its implications for the life of a range of organisms. Topics covered in this book include the chemistry of intermediates in the shikimate pathway; biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids in this pathway; its metabolites; and its role in higher plants. This book is comprised of six chapters and begins by introducing the reader to shikimic acid, a natural product derived from the plant Illicium religiosum, along with the mechanistic and stereochemical aspects of the reactions of the shikimate pathway. The biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids from chorismate is also described, and then the discussion turns to the chemical properties and the detailed stereochemistry of intermediates and enzymes in the shikimate pathway. The next chapter examines the biosynthesis of isoprenoid quinones involved in electron transport and the folic acid group of co-enzymes in the shikimate pathway. The metabolism of the aromatic amino acids in microorganisms and higher organisms is considered, along with the biosynthesis and physiological functions of phenylpropanoid compounds and their derivatives in the shikimate pathway in higher plants. This book will be of general value to practitioners in the many and varied areas of biochemical research associated with metabolism.

Introduction 1 The Shikimate Pathway: Biosynthesis of the Aromatic Amino Acids Introduction The Common Pathway Mechanistic Studies of the Common Pathway Biosynthesis of the Aromatic Amino Acids from Chorismate Control of Aromatic Amino Acid Metabolism in Micro-organisms The Shikimate Pathway in Higher Plants 2 The Chemistry of Intermediates in the Shikimate Pathway Introduction (-)-Shikimic Acid (—)-Quinic Acid Chorismic Acid Prephenic Acid 3 Metabolites of the Shikimate Pathway Introduction Isoprenoid Quinones Phenolic Metabolites Miscellaneous Metabolites 4 Metabolism of the Aromatic Amino Acids in Micro-Organisms and Higher Organisms Introduction Metabolism of L-Phenylalanine and L-Tyrosine Metabolism of L-Tryptophan Oxygenases and Biological Oxidations Aromatic Amino Acid Metabolites 5 The Shikimate Pathway in Higher Plants: Phenylpropanoid Compounds and Their Derivatives Introduction Plant Phenols L-Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase and the Phenylpropanoid Pool Degradation Products of the Phenylpropanoid Pool 6 The Shikimate Pathway in Higher Plants: Extension of the Penylpropanoid Unit: Miscellaneous Metabolites Extension of the Phenylpropanoid Unit Miscellaneous Plant Products Derived from the Shikimate Pathway Index