Tracking the Origin and Evolution of Plant Metabolites

Abstract

Iridoids are monoterpenes that are produced by various plants as chemical defense molecules. Lichman et al. recently described the timeline of molecular events that underpin the re-emergence of iridoid biosynthesis in an independent lineage of aromatic plants (catnip). This study represents a benchmark for studying enzyme and metabolite evolution in different clades across the tree of life.

Keywords: Lamiaceae; enzyme evolution; iridoids; nepetalactone; plant metabolites.