Shikimic Acid

A key intermediate in synthesis of virtually all aromatic compounds in the cells is shikimic acid. These include phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, p-aminobenzoic acid, and p-hydroxybenzoic acid.

The unbranched pathways from erythrose-4-phosphate and phosphoenolpyruvate through shikimic acid to chorismate is shown in Figure 21.13. The sixth reaction of the shikimic acid pathway is inhibited specifically by glyphosate, which is the active ingredient in the broad spectrum herbicide known as Roundup TM.

See also: Metabolism of Aromatic Amino Acids and Histidine

INTERNET LINKS:

> 1. Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, and Tryptophan Biosynthesis

> 2. Tyrosine Metabolism

> 3. Phenylalanine Metabolism

> 4. Tryptophan Metabolism

> 5. Histidine Metabolism