(±)-7-epi Jasmonic acid is the major metabolite of the 12-oxo phytodienoic acid pathway of the metabolism of 13(S)-hydroperoxy linolenic acid in plants. Initially synthesized as (+)-7-epi jasmonic acid, this more active and biologically relevant form of the hormone quickly epimerizes to the more stable isomer (−)-7-jasmonic acid.[1],[2] (±)-7-epi Jasmonic acid is a plant growth regulator that activates various signal transduction pathways with both growth promoting and inhibitory functions, perhaps in response to stress.[3],[4]
Reference:
[1]. Holbrook, L., Tung, P., Ward, K., et al. Importance of the chiral centers of jasmonic acid in the responses of plants. Activities and antagonism between natural and synthetic analogs. Plant Physiology 114, 419-428 (1997).
[2]. Browse, J., and Howe, G.A. New weapons and a rapid response against insect attack. Plant Physiology 146, 832-838 (2008).
[3]. Wasternack, C., and Parthier, B. Jasmonate-signalled plant gene expression. Trends in Plant Science 2, 302-307 (1997).
[4]. Hamberg, M., and Gardner, H.W. Oxylipin pathway to jasmonates: Biochemistry and biological significance. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1165(1), 1-18 (1992).