M3L3 - Natural product sources

Primary metabolism

This is the processing of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, for energy

Secondary metabolism

This is the synthesis of terpenoids, polyketides, alkaloids, and phenylpropanoids, derived from primary metabolic precursors, for defense and survival

Acetyl-CoA

This is the primary metabolic precursor for polyketides

Amphipathic amino acid

This is the primary metabolic precursor for alkaloids

Aromatic amino acid

This is the primary metabolic precursor for

I-PP/DMA-PP

These are the secondary metabolic precursors for terpenoids

Polyketide

This is a linear precursor molecule consisting of alternating ketone and methylene groups

Patete

This is a Māori traditional medicine plant from which antifungal polyketide is derived

Mevastatin

This is a cyclic polyketide derived from fungus penicilium citrinum

Atorvastatin

This is a synthetic mevastatin analogue used in the treatment of high cholesterol

Phenylpropanoid

This is an aromatic precursor molecule which undergoes oxidation and carbon chain extension

Cinnamaldehyde

This is a phenylpropanoid flavour compound which produces the cinnamon flavour

Podophyllotoxin

This is a cytotoxic phenylpropanoid compound, conjugated to a glucose derivative to form etoposide

Alkaloid

This is an organic natural product containing nitrogenous functional groups

Papaverine

This is a tyrosine-derived alkaloid found in the opium poppy, used clinically as an antispasmodic

Lysergic acid

This is a tryptophan-derived alkaloid found in the ergot on rye, psychoactive precursor to LSD

Cocaine

This is an orthinine-derived alkaloid found in the leaves of the coca plant, psychostimulant and vasoconstrictor

Pukatea

This is also known as laurelia novae-zealandiae, contains an analgesic alkaloid in the inner bark layer

Pukateine

This is an analgesic found in the pukatea plant, similar in structure to morphine

Ornithine

This is a non-proteinogenic amino acid used in alkaloid production and urea processing

Terpene

This is a natural product precursor synthesised by chain elongation

Dimethylallyl diphosphate

This is the primary precursor to mono-/poly-terpene compounds

Isopentenyl diphosphate

This is added to DMAPP and other terpene compounds to elongate their chain

Geranyl diphosphate

This is a monoterpene compound, precursor to larger terpenes and some aroma compounds

Geraniol

This is a rose-scent compound derived from the hydrolysis of geranyl diphosphate

Menthol

This is a scent compound derived from the cyclisation and hydration of geraniol

Pinene

This is a terpene compound derived from menthol via the addition of a cyclobutane ring

Horopito

This is also known as pseudowintera colorata, chewed as a painkiller with activity against candida albicans