Mellein Explained

Mellein is a dihydroisocoumarin, a phenolic compound produced by the mold species Aspergillus ochraceus.[1]

Derivatives

4-Hydroxymellein is also produced by Aspergillus ochraceus.[1]

6-Hydroxymellein, together with S-adenosyl methionine, is a substrate of the enzyme 6-hydroxymellein O-methyltransferase to form 6-methoxymellein and S-adenosylhomocysteine in Apiaceae.[2] 6-Methoxymellein is one of the compounds responsible for bitterness in carrots.

Notes and References

  1. Moore . J. H. . Davis . N. D. . Diener . U. L. . Mellein and 4-hydroxymellein production by Aspergillus ochraceus Wilhelm . Applied Microbiology . 23 . 6 . 1067–1072 . 1972 . 10.1128/AEM.23.6.1067-1072.1972 . 5064985 . 380508.
  2. http://www.biocyc.org/META/NEW-IMAGE?type=PATHWAY&object=PWY-4922 6-methoxymellein biosynthesis pathway on www.biocyc.org