Polyketide

**Semantic type:** Organic Chemical

**Definition:** A structurally diverse group of compounds created by repeated condensations and modifications catalyzed by polyketide synthases (PKSs). Polyketides may be derived from malonyl- and methylmalonyl-coenzyme A (CoA) extender units and simple acyl-CoA starter units, such as acetyl-, propionyl-, and isobutyryl-CoA. It includes numerous antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and anticancer agents such as erythromycins, tetracylines, nystatins, avermectins and antitumor epothilones, as well as some potent toxins.

**Synonyms:** - Polyketides