Main conclusion Two isoforms of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) have been isolated as cDNA sequences from the hornwort Anthoceros agrestis . The encoded enzymes convert l -phenylalanine and to lower extents l -tyrosine and l -histidine. Thus, the functional presence of the general phenylpropanoid pathway in one of the earliest land plant groups is established. Abstract The hornwort Anthoceros agrestis has an elaborated pheno...

Main conclusion Anthoceros agrestis hydroxycinnamoyltransferase accepts shikimic and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acids while hydroxycinnamoylester/amide 3-hydroxylase (CYP98A147) preferred p -coumaroyl-(3-hydroxy)anthranilic acid compared to the shikimic acid derivative. Alternative pathways towards rosmarinic acid have to be considered. Abstract Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a well-known ester of caffeic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenyllactic...