(S) norcoclaurine synthase

In enzymology, a (S)-norcoclaurine synthase (EC 4.2.1.78) is an enzyme that catalyzes the chemical reaction

4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde + 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol ⇌ (S)-norcoclaurine + H₂O

Thus, the two substrates of this enzyme are 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde and 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol, whereas its two products are (S)-norcoclaurine and H₂O.

This enzyme belongs to the family of lyases, specifically the hydro-lyases, which cleave carbon-oxygen bonds. The systematic name of this enzyme class is 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde hydro-lyase [adding dopamine (S)-norcoclaurine-forming]. Other names in common use include (S)-norlaudanosoline synthase, and 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde hydro-lyase (adding dopamine). This enzyme participates in benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis.