Taxadiene

Taxadiene (pronounced: ta-xa-diene) is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of the diterpenoid Taxol, a potent chemotherapeutic agent.

Etymology

The term "Taxadiene" is derived from the genus name of the Pacific yew tree (Taxus), from which Taxol was first isolated, and the suffix "-diene", referring to the presence of two carbon-carbon double bonds in its chemical structure.

Chemical Structure and Synthesis

Taxadiene is a hydrocarbon molecule with the chemical formula C20H32. It is synthesized from Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) by the enzyme Taxadiene synthase. This enzyme catalyzes the cyclization of GGPP to form the tricyclic structure of Taxadiene.

Role in Taxol Biosynthesis

Taxadiene is the first committed step in the biosynthesis of Taxol. It is further modified by a series of enzymes to form Taxol. These modifications include hydroxylation, acetylation, and baccatin III formation, among others.

Related Terms

• Taxol
• Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate
• Taxadiene synthase
• Baccatin III

See Also

• Diterpenoid
• Chemotherapeutic agent
• Biosynthesis

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Taxadiene
• Wikipedia's article - Taxadiene

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