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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

A Customizable Approach for the Enzymatic Production and Purification of Diterpenoid Natural Products
Published on: October 4, 2019
Metabolism of monoterpenes in mint (mentha) species
1Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-6340, U.S.A.
Abstract:
Commercial mint ( MENTHA) species produce either C3-oxygenated or C6-oxygenated P-menthane monoterpene as the major essential oil components. The biosynthetic origin of both of these monoterpene families from the common precursor (-)-limonene is described. The metabolic turnover of monoterpenes occurs during late stages of plant development, and the pathway for the transport and catabolism of (-)-menthone in peppermint is reviewed as a model for this general process. The developmental regulation of monoterpene metabolism is briefly outlined.
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