Gibberellin biosynthesis pathway (GA biosynthesis)

The gibberellin biosynthesis pathway is a critical metabolic sequence in plants responsible for the production of gibberellins (GAs), which are tetracyclic diterpenoid phytohormones essential for growth and development. These hormones regulate several key biological processes, including seed germination, stem elongation, leaf expansion, and the transition to flowering (Sun, 2008, Annual Review of Plant Biology). The pathway involves a series of enzymes located across different cellular compartments, such as the plastids, endoplasmic reticulum, and cytosol, with enzymes like ent-kaurene oxidase and GA 20-oxidase serving as major regulatory points (Hedden & Sponsel, 2015, Phytochemistry). In agricultural and horticultural practices, this pathway is a primary target for plant growth regulators (PGRs) that aim to manipulate plant stature and improve crop stability. Compounds such as paclobutrazol and prohexadione act as inhibitors of specific enzymatic steps in this pathway, effectively reducing active GA levels to prevent lodging in cereals and control the height of ornamental plants (Rademacher, 2000, Annual Review of Plant Physiology and Plant Molecular Biology). While vital for plant physiology, this biosynthetic pathway is absent in humans and is not considered a target for human clinical therapeutics.

Other names

Gibberellin productionGibberellic acid biosynthesisGA biosynthetic pathwayGA production

Inhibition of specific biosynthetic enzymes, such as ent-kaurene oxidase or GA 20-oxidase, to decrease the endogenous levels of bioactive gibberellins.