3.

Metabolic Pathways
3.1 The 4 Stages of Isoprenoid Metabolism

Abbreviations: DMAPP, dimethylallyl diphosphate; FPP, farnesyl diphosphate; GAP, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate;

GPP, geranyl diphosphate; GGPP, geranyl geranyl diphosphate; IPP, isopentenyl diphosphate;
MVA, mevalonate

The 2 Pathways for IPP/DMAPP Biosynthesis

In plants, two spatially separated pathways operate for IPP and DMAPP biosynthesis:

Acetate/mevalonate (MVA) pathway (localized to cytosol)

In general: Supply of precursors for the majority of isoprenoids derived from FPP and squalene
Synthesis of intermediates in triterpene, ubiquinone and polyterpene biosynthesis (exception:
plastoquinone)
Mevalonate-independent pathway of IPP/DMAPP biosynthesis (localized to plastids)

In general: Supply of precursors for the majority of isoprenoids derived from GPP and GGPP
Synthesis of intermediates for the biosynthesis of monoterpenes, diterpenes, tetraterpenes,
and the side chains of chlorophylls, tocopherols, phylloquinone and plastoquinone)