Joachim Schröder is at the Institut für Biologie
II, Universität Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1,
D-79104 Freiburg, Germany. jschroe@ruf.uni-freiburg.de
The first structure of a chalcone synthase has been determined. Enzymes
in this family have broad substrate specificities and participate in the biosynthesis
of many secondary plant products, including compounds that provide defense
against pathogens and precursors to the bitter acids in hops that flavor beer.
