While the enzyme from the plant Zea mays is specific for benzoate [6], the enzymes from Arabidopsis species and Clarkia breweri also catalyse the reaction of EC 2.1.1.274, salicylate 1-O-methyltransferase [1,5]. In snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) two isoforms are found, one specific for benzoate [2,3] and one that is also active towards salicylate [4]. The volatile product is an important scent compound in some flowering species [2].
S-Adenosyl-L-methionine:salicylic acid carboxyl methyltransferase, an enzyme involved in floral scent production and plant defense, represents a new class of plant methyltransferases.
Purification and characterization of S-adenosyl-L-methionine:benzoic acid carboxyl methyltransferase, the enzyme responsible for biosynthesis of the volatile ester methyl benzoate in flowers of Antirrhinum majus.
Novel S-adenosyl-L-methionine:salicylic acid carboxyl methyltransferase, an enzyme responsible for biosynthesis of methyl salicylate and methyl benzoate, is not involved in floral scent production in snapdragon flowers.