PHD → Organic chemistry → Natural products chemistry ↓
Biosynthesis of natural products
In the field of organic chemistry, the biosynthesis of natural products is an exciting topic. Natural products are organic compounds that occur naturally in living organisms. They have specific architectures and functionalities that make them important in many biological processes. Their biosynthesis, which means how they are formed from simple starting materials in nature, involves a series of enzymatic reactions. Let's look at this fascinating process in detail.
What are natural products?
Natural products are small molecules found in nature that are produced by living organisms. These include antibiotics, pigments, and even some toxins. Despite their different roles, they have the same origin because they arise from simple building blocks that undergo complex transformations.
Building blocks in biosynthesis
Biosynthesis typically begins with primary metabolites such as acetate
, mevalonate
, glycine
. These serve as building blocks that lead to more complex structures.
Example: acetate pathway
Acetyl-CoA + Malonyl-CoA --> Fatty Acids
Acetyl-CoA + Malonyl-CoA --> Fatty Acids
The conversion of acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA to fatty acids is a key step in the formation of a variety of natural products.
Pathway in biosynthesis
The biosynthesis of natural products often involves the following major pathways:
1. Polyketide pathway
Polyketides are biosynthesized from acetate through a series of condensations. These are versatile and result in many antibiotics, antifungals, and anticancer compounds.
Visual example - simplified pathway of polyketide biosynthesis
2. Shikimate route
The shikimate pathway is central in plants and microorganisms, leading to aromatic compounds. These compounds form essential elements such as the amino acids phenylalanine
, tyrosine
, and tryptophan
.
Example: phenylalanine from shikimate
Shikimate --> Chorismate --> Phenylalanine
Shikimate --> Chorismate --> Phenylalanine
Visual example - corisite transform
Enzymes in biosynthesis
Enzymes play important roles in biosynthetic pathways, acting as catalysts for reactions. These reactions often require specific 3D structures that enzymes can provide.
Visual example - enzymatic catalysis
The role of natural products
Natural products are not just fascinating chemical substances. They have a huge role in nature, including defense mechanisms for plants and play a vital role in ecological interactions. Humans have also made extensive use of these compounds.
Medicinal applications
Many natural products are biological compounds used in medicines, such as penicillin
from the fungus Penicillium, which revolutionized antibiotics.
Agricultural applications
Various natural products have roles as pesticides and herbicides, making it more important to understand their biosynthesis and effects on nature.
Challenges and opportunities in natural product biosynthesis
The biosynthesis of natural products is a highly complex process. Challenges include understanding the complex enzyme pathways and the ability of synthetic biology to use and manipulate these pathways.
Synthetic biology
Synthetic biology attempts to use biosynthetic pathways to produce complex natural products in the laboratory. This could lead to more sustainable production of needed compounds.
Visual example - synthetic biology potential
Conclusion
The biosynthesis of natural products involves the transformation of a few basic molecules into many complex structures that have enormous ecological and human significance. By understanding these processes, we can appreciate the chemistry that gives rise to phenomena ranging from plant defense mechanisms to life-saving antibiotics. As research continues in this fascinating field, new possibilities for sustainable chemical processes and new drug discovery are emerging, offering new horizons in chemistry and biology. Understanding these processes in easily understood language and examples helps bridge the gap between complex chemistry and everyday applications.