How is the Shikimic Acid Pathway Relevant to Toxicology?
In the context of toxicology, the shikimic acid pathway is relevant primarily due to its role in the synthesis of compounds that can have toxic properties. For instance, herbicides like glyphosate target this pathway in plants, inhibiting the production of essential amino acids and leading to plant death. Understanding this pathway helps in assessing the toxicity of such chemicals to non-target organisms.
