Description:
Alpha-Pinene is a monoterpene that may be a significant factor affecting bacterial activities in nature. It is a major component in tea-tree oils, and gives off a piney smelling odor. Terpenes are widely used as flavorings, deodorants, and medicines (as in the treatment of acne). It is not clear whether the enzymes from B. pallidus here named "alpha-pinene dehydrogenase" and "alpha-pinene monooxygenase" are the same enzyme or two different enzymes. Indeed, these pathways may be catalyzed by a limited number of isomerase, monooxygenase and dehydrogenase enzymes with broad substrate specificities. Glycine mediates the isomerization of cis-2-Methyl-5-isopropylhexa-2,5-dienoic acid to trans-2-Methyl-5-isopropylhexa-2,5-dienoic acid. The beta-oxidation reactions transforming cis/trans-2-Methyl-5-isopropylhexa-2,5-dienoic acid to 3-Isopropylbut-3-enoic acid are postulated (Savithiry et al., 1998).