| Definition: |
Trisporic acids are C-18 terpenoid compounds consisting of (1S)-1,3-dimethyl-4-oxocyclohex-2-ene-1-carboxylic acid which is substituted at position 3 by a (1E-3-methylocta-1,3-dien-1-yl side chain. The double bond at position 3 of the side chain can have E or Z geometry. Position 7 of the side chain may be unsubstituted (trisporic acid A) or substituted by a hydroxy group (trisporic acid B) or an oxo group (trisporic acid C). The trisporic acids are synthesized via beta-carotene and retinol pathways in the Zygomycetes and are pheromone compounds responsible for sexual differentiation in those fungal species. |