Three new O-methyltransferases are sufficient for all O-methylation reactions of ipecac alkaloid biosynthesis in root culture of Psychotria ipecacuanha.
This activity is the penultimate step in the bionsynthesis of the alkaloid emetine. It is catalysed by two enzymes isolated from the roots of the tropical plant Carapichea ipecacuanha, IpeOMT2 and CiOMT1. The latter also catalyses the activity of EC 2.1.1.396, cephaeline 6'-O-methyltransferase, but with much lower activity.
Three new O-methyltransferases are sufficient for all O-methylation reactions of ipecac alkaloid biosynthesis in root culture of Psychotria ipecacuanha.