The enzyme involved in making 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate (DXP) is DXP synthase.[2] The mechanism follows a catalysis of decarboxylative condensation of pyruvate and d-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate to produce DXP.[2][3] In addition, the molecule is involved in making thiamine (vitamin B1) and pyridoxol (vitamin B6).[2]
The non-mevalonate pathway intermediate 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate (DXP) also acts as a precursor in making isoprenoids in many species such as bacteria, plants, and apicomplexan parasites, contributing to biological diversity.[1]