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4277415 
Journal Article 
The phenylpropene synthase pathway and its applications in the engineering of volatile phenylpropanoids in plants 
Koeduka, T 
2014 
1 
Plant Biotechnology
ISSN: 1342-4580 
31 
5 
401-407 
English 
WOS:000349098200006 
Phenylpropenes such as eugenol, isoeugenol, chavicol, and anethole are C-6-C-3 volatile compounds derived from phenylalanine by modification of its benzene ring and reduction of its propyl side chain, with the final reduction step catalyzed by a product-specific phenylpropene synthase. Recent advances in the biochemical and molecular analysis of phenylpropene synthases have improved our understanding of their evolution, structural properties, and reaction mechanism, providing insights into how plants produce and regulate the many types of phenylpropene volatiles. Since phenylpropenes are important in determining the flavor of foods and the quality of essential oils in cosmetics, the identification of the genes and enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of phenylpropene volatiles has also provided us with tools to meet the challenge of improving plant aromas through genetic engineering. 
Plant volatiles; specialized natural products; genetic engineering; phenylpropenes