Isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) is an intermediate in the classical, HMG-CoA reductase pathway used by organisms in the biosynthesis of terpenes and terpenoids. IPP is formed from acetyl-CoA via mevalonic acid. IPP can then be isomerized to dimethylallyl pyrophosphate by the enzyme isopentenyl pyrophosphate isomerase.

Mevalonate pathway

Simplified version of the steroid synthesis pathway with the intermediates isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP), geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) and squalene shown. Some intermediates are omitted.

Alternatively, IPP can be synthesized via the alternative, non-mevalonate pathway of isoprenoid biosynthesis instead where it is formed from (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl pyrophosphate (HMB-PP) by the enzyme HMB-PP reductase (LytB, IspH). The non-mevalonate pathway is utilized by many bacteria, apicomplexan protozoa such as malaria parasites, and the plastids of higher plants.

See also

• Dimethylallyltranstransferase

External links

de:Isopentenylpyrophosphat ja:??????????? pt:Pirofosfato de isopentenilo