The biosynthesis of lophocerine

Abstract

The biosynthesis of Iophocerine has been studied in intact Lophocereus schottii plants. Tyrosine serves as the precursor of the C6–C2–N portion of the tetrahydroisoquinoline nucleus. Leucine and mevalonate serve as the precursors of the remaining C5 unit. These results are consistent with accepted biogenetic theory.