Biosynthetic origin of 2-geranyl-1,4-naphthoquinone and its related anthraquinone in a Sesamum indicum hairy root culture

► The geranyl group in geranylnaphthoquinone was formed via the MEP pathway. ► The ring moiety in geranylnaphthoquinone was formed via the shikimate pathway. ► Prenylation occurred at C-2 in 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoate. ► Geranylnaphthoquinone and its related anthraquinone had the same biosynthetic origin.