Reaction: (2E,6E)-farnesyl diphosphate = (–)-α-copaene + diphosphate
For diagram of reaction click here.
Glossary: (–)-α-copaene = (1R,2S,6S,7S,8S)-1,3-dimethyl-8-(propan-2-yl)tricyclo[4.4.0.02,7]dec-3-ene
For diagram of the structures of α-copaene and β-copaene, click here
Systematic name: (2E,6E)-farnesyl-diphosphate diphosphate-lyase (cyclizing, α-copaene-forming)
Comments: Isolated from Helianthus annuus (sunflower). The enzyme also produces β-caryophyllene, δ-cadinene and traces of other sesquiterpenoids. See EC 4.2.3.13 (+)-δ-cadinene synthase, EC 4.2.3.57 (–)-β-caryophyllene synthase.
Links to other databases: BRENDA, EXPASY, KEGG, Metacyc, CAS registry number:
References:
1. Gopfert, J.C., Macnevin, G., Ro, D.K. and Spring, O. Identification, functional characterization and developmental regulation of sesquiterpene synthases from sunflower capitate glandular trichomes. BMC Plant Biol. 9 (2009) 86. [PMID: 19580670]
2. Xie, X., Kirby, J. and Keasling, J.D. Functional characterization of four sesquiterpene synthases from Ricinus communis (castor bean). Phytochemistry 78 (2012) 20-28. [PMID: 22459969]