The ispDF operon in E. coli contains two genes that encode proteins that are used to form building blocks for isoprenoid compounds. There is currently no information on the regulation of this operon. The first gene in the operon, ispD, also known as ygbP, encodes the protein 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) cytidylyltransferase. This protein catalyzes the reaction of MEP, a hydrogen ion and cytidine triphosphate, which form a pyrophosphate molecule and 4-CDP-2-C-methyl-D-erythritol. The second gene, ispF, also known as ygbB or mecS, encodes for the protein 2-C-D-erythritol 2,4-cyclodiphosphate synthase. This protein is involved in the formation of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP), which are building blocks in the biosynthesis of isoprenoids, also known as terpenoids.

Operon: Cytidyl Pyrophosphate Biosynthesis of Isoprenoids References