Symbol Terpene_synth_C InterPro IPR005630 SUPERFAMILY 5eau | Pfam PF03936 SCOP 5eau Pfam structures | |
 | ||
In molecular biology, this protein domain belongs to the terpene synthase family (TPS). Its role is to synthesize terpenes which are part of primary metabolism, such as sterols and carotene and also part of the secondary metabolism. This entry will focus on the C terminal domain of the TPS protein.
Contents
Function
Terpenes synthases have a role in producing important molecules in metabolism, these molecules are part of a large group called terpenoids . In particular, the C terminal domain catalyzes the cyclization of geranyl diphosphate, orienting and stabilizing multiple reactive carbocation intermediates. Or in simpler terms, the C terminal aids the synthesis of new molecules.
Structure
It is thought to have at least two alpha helices.
Conservation
Sequences containing this protein domain belong to the terpene synthase family. It has been suggested that this gene family be designated tps (for terpene synthase). Sequence comparisons reveal similarities between the monoterpene (C10) synthases, sesquiterpene (C15) synthases and the diterpene (C20) synthases. It has been split into six subgroups on the basis of phylogeny, called Tpsa-Tpsf .