Weird mechanism behind catnip compound’s biosynthesis uncovered
By 
Katrina Krämer2018-12-10T16:04:00
Nepetalactone – the compound cats go crazy for – is made by a two-step procedure that is unlike any other in terpenoid biosynthesis
Scientists have discovered a crazy biosynthesis pathway behind nepetalactone, the molecule that sends cats into a state of ecstasy – but also repels cockroaches and other insects.