geranyl diphosphate

Geranyl diphosphate (GPP) is a precursor molecule in the biosynthesis of various terpenoids and essential oils found in plants. It is a diphosphate ester composed of two isoprene units (C10H16) linked by a phosphoanhydride bond. Geranyl diphosphate is synthesized from isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) via the enzyme geranyl diphosphate synthase. Once formed, geranyl diphosphate can undergo a series of reactions catalyzed by different enzymes to produce a wide range of terpenoids, including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. For example, geranyl diphosphate can be converted into limonene, a monoterpene found in citrus fruits and other plants, or into farnesyl diphosphate, a precursor of various sesquiterpenes and diterpenes. In addition to their roles in plant metabolism, terpenoids have many commercial applications, such as in the production of fragrances, flavors, and pharmaceuticals.