Metal ions regulate terpenoid metabolism in insects

(Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology) Max Planck scientists have discovered an unusual regulation of enzymes that catalyze chain elongation in the terpenoid pathway. In the horseradish leaf beetle, a single enzyme can trigger the production of two completely different substances depending on whether it is regulated by cobalt, manganese or magnesium ions: Defensive iridoids or juvenile hormones.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news