Biotransformation of isoprenoids and shikimic acid derivatives by a vegetable enzymatic system.

In biotransformations carried out under similar conditions enzymatic systems from carrot (Daucus carota L.), celeriac (Apium graveolens L. var. rapaceum) and horse-radish (Armoracia lapathifolia Gilib.) hydrolyzed the ester bonds of acetates of phenols or alicyclic alcohols. Nevertheless, methyl esters of aromatic acids did not undergo hydrolysis. Alcohols were oxidized to ketones in a reversible reaction.