Exploring the molecular mechanism of karrikins and strigolactones

Karrikins and strigolactones are novel plant growth regulators that contain similar molecular features, but very little is known about how they elicit responses in plants. A tentative molecular mechanism has previously been proposed involving a Michael-type addition for both compounds. Through structure–activity studies with karrikins, we now propose an alternative mechanism for karrikin and strigolactone mode of action that involves hydrolysis of the butenolide ring.

Karrikins and strigolactones are novel plant growth regulators that contain similar molecular features, but very little is known about how they elicit responses in plants. Through structure–activity studies, we propose a common mechanism for karrikin and strigolactone mode of action that involves hydrolysis of the butenolide ring.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide