Plant (di)terpenoid evolution: from pigments to hormones and beyond

Abstract

Covering: up to 2014–2022.

Diterpenoid biosynthesis in plants builds on the necessary production of (E,E,E)-geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) for photosynthetic pigment production, with diterpenoid biosynthesis arising very early in land plant evolution, enabling stockpiling of the extensive arsenal of (di)terpenoid natural products currently observed in this kingdom. This review will build upon that previously published in the Annual Review of Plant Biology, with a stronger focus on enzyme structure–function relationships, as well as additional insights into the evolution of (di)terpenoid metabolism since generated.