Polyketide Synthesis

Polyketides are a class of antibiotics found in bacteria and fungi. Erythromycin and oxytetracycline are examples. The pathway for polyketide synthesis contains part of the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway, except that one or more of the enzymes are missing at various points in the pathway (Figure 18.35). This leads to a diverse set of products containing internal hydroxyls and ketone groups.

See also: Polyketides, Erythromycin, Oxytetracycline, Fatty Acid Biosynthesis Strategy

INTERNET LINKS:

> 1. Polyketide Biosynthesis

> 2. 3D Model of Erythromycin (requires Chime)