Genetic engineering shikimate pathway

There is interest in applying genetic engineering to increase the output of the shikimate pathway for production of industrially important aromatic compounds, e.g., the dye indigo, which is used in manufacture of blue denim (Box 25-C). Study of the enzymes involved has led to the development of potent inhibitors of the shikimate pathway which serve as widely used herbicides.2 3... 

Figure 4. Shikimate-derived metabolism in plants. A complicated biosynthetic pathway is a possible genetic engineering target.

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