Enzymatic synthesis of isoprene from dimethylallyl diphosphate in Aspen leaf extracts

Authors

G.M. Silver
R. Fall

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Plant Physiology

Volume

97

Issue

4

First Page

1588

Last Page

1591

Publication Date

12-1991

Abstract

Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) leaf extracts contain a newly discovered enzyme activity that catalyzes the magnesium ion-dependent elimination of diphosphate from dimethylallyl diphosphate with rearrangement to form isoprene (2-methyl, 1-3-butadiene). This isoprene synthase activity has been partially purified. The nonenzymatic reaction of dimethylallyl diphosphate to isoprene, known to be acid catalyzed, may be insignificant at physiological pH. In contrast, the enzymatic reaction may be responsible for the majority of light-dependent isoprene production by isoprene-emitting plants.

Recommended Citation

Silver, G. M. and Fall, R. 1991. Enzymatic synthesis of isoprene from dimethylallyl diphosphate in Aspen leaf extracts. Plant Physiology. 97 (4): 1588-1591.