Germacrene D (original) (raw)

Germacrene D is a sesquiterpene hydrocarbon with significant ecological and medicinal properties, synthesized by various organisms. This work presents the cloning and characterization of germacrene D synthases from Solidago canadensis, revealing a functionally active variant of the universally recognized aspartate-rich motif DDXXD. The findings indicate different enantiospecific synthases responsible for the production of (+) and (−) enantiomers of germacrene D, demonstrating the potential for biotechnological applications in insect control.