T. Raharjo, Wen-Te Chang, Y. Choi
Feb 1, 2004
Citations
5
Influential Citations
37
Citations
Journal
Plant Science
Abstract
A polyketide synthase (PKS) was suggested to catalyze the first step of cannabinoid biosynthesis, leading to olivetolic acid. An activity of a PKS was detected in the protein extract of Cannabis sativa flowering top. The enzyme converts one molecule of n-hexanoyl-CoA and three molecules of malonyl-CoA to olivetol. The product was identified by its UV-spectrum, mass spectrometry analysis and comparison with reference compound. The activity of the enzyme was also found in the upper leaves, but the activity occurring there is lesser than in the one occurring in the flowers. The activity of chalcone synthase (CHS), another PKS enzyme, was also found in the protein extract.