A dirigent of the ring for strigolactone stereochemistry.

The article discusses the importance of stereochemistry in the biosynthesis and functions of strigolactones (SLs), which are plant hormones and signaling molecules. SLs have been found to induce seed germination in root parasitic plants and establish symbiosis with soil-borne arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The study focuses on the stereochemistry of orobanchol, a type of SL, and identifies an enzyme called DIR as the factor that controls the correct stereo-configuration of orobanchol. The research provides insights into SL biosynthesis and its potential applications in agriculture. [Extracted from the article]