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.

References

  1. ^ a b Moore, J. H.; Davis, N. D.; Diener, U. L. (1972). "Mellein and 4-hydroxymellein production by Aspergillus ochraceus Wilhelm". Applied Microbiology. 23 (6): 1067–1072. doi:10.1128/AEM.23.6.1067-1072.1972. PMC 380508. PMID 5064985.
  2. ^ 6-methoxymellein biosynthesis pathway on www.biocyc.org