Gibberellin biosynthetic pathway (GA biosynthesis)

Gibberellic acid production, or the gibberellin biosynthetic pathway, is a sequence of enzymatic steps in plants and certain fungi that produces gibberellins, a major class of diterpenoid phytohormones. These hormones are essential for regulating various aspects of plant development, most notably seed germination, stem elongation, and the transition to flowering. In agriculture, this pathway is a critical target for plant growth regulators (PGRs) designed to modify crop architecture, such as reducing height to prevent lodging in cereals or managing fruit set. Inhibitors typically target specific enzymes like ent-kaurene oxidase or GA 20-oxidase to lower bioactive gibberellin levels. While primarily focused on botanical applications, research has also explored the production of these hormones by phytopathogens like Fusarium fujikuroi and the potential of gibberellin derivatives as experimental anti-cancer or anti-malarial agents in humans.

Other names

Gibberellic acid productionGibberellin synthesisGibberellin metabolismGA production

Inhibition of key enzymes within the pathway, such as ent-kaurene oxidase (cytochrome P450 monooxygenase) or gibberellin 20-oxidase (2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase), thereby reducing the concentration of bioactive gibberellins.