Geosmin synthase (original) (raw)

Geosmin synthase or germacradienol-geosmin synthase designates a class of bifunctional enzymes (EC 4.1.99.16) that catalyze the conversion of farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) to geosmin, a volatile organic compound known for its earthy smell. The N-terminal half of the protein catalyzes the conversion of farnesyl diphosphate to and germacrene D, followed by the C-terminal-mediated conversion of germacradienol to geosmin. The conversion of FPP to geosmin was previously thought to involve multiple enzymes in a biosynthetic pathway.