Cyclization enzymes in the biosynthesis of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes

Terpene synthases catalyze the first committed steps in the biosynthesis of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. An overview is presented of the enzymology and mechanism of these terpene synthases, and their molecula r cloning, expression, and sequence analysis. Detailed structural and funct ional evaluation of four representative monoterpene, sesquiterpene, and dit erpene synthases is also presented.