Functional and Structural Characterization of a (+)-Limonene Synthase from Citrus sinensis.

ABSTRACT: Terpenes make up the largest and most diverse class of natural compounds and have important commercial and medical applications. Limonene is a cyclic monoterpene (C₁₀) present in nature as two enantiomers, (+) and (-), which are produced by different enzymes. The mechanism of production of the (-)-enantiomer has been studied in great detail, but to understand how enantiomeric selectivity is achieved in this class of enzymes, it is important to develop a thorough biochemical description of enzymes that generate (+)-limonene, as well. Here we report the first cloning and biochemical characterization of a (+)-limonene synthase from navel orange (Citrus sinensis). The enzyme obeys classical Michaelis-Menten kinetics and produces exclusively the (+)-enantiomer. We have determined the

SUBMITTER: Morehouse BR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5642283 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature