Both methylerythritol phosphate and mevalonate pathways contribute to biosynthesis of each of the major isoprenoid classes in young cotton seedlings.

Highlights: [•] Relative contribution of MEP and MVA pathways to isoprenoids of cotton studied. [•] Isotopically-labeled intermediates fed to cotton seedlings. [•] Both pathways contribute to the formation of all classes of terpenoids. [•] Pathway contribution varied strongly among organs. [•] Differences between the labeling of intermediates and products sometimes large. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]