One pathway, many products.
Biosynthetic pathways for secondary metabolites usually make many products, not just one. In this Commentary, we consider why molecular promiscuity might be an evolutionarily advantageous feature of these pathways.
Fischbach
Michael A
MA
Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, 240 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Clardy
Jon
J
D001685:Biological Factors / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D005658:Fungi / Q000378:metabolism; D005875:Gibberellins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D008958:Models, Molecular; D015394:Molecular Structure; D010944:Plants / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D020123:Sirolimus / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D022061:Tacrolimus Binding Protein 1A / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D013729:Terpenes / Q000737:chemistry*
D001685:Biological Factors; D005875:Gibberellins; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D013729:Terpenes; D022061:Tacrolimus Binding Protein 1A; D020123:Sirolimus