The enzyme (S)-norcoclaurine synthase (EC 4.2.1.78) catalyzes the chemical reaction

4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde + 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol (Dopamine) ${\displaystyle \rightleftharpoons }$ (S)-norcoclaurine + H₂O

This enzyme belongs to the family of lyases, specifically the hydro-lyases, which cleave carbon-oxygen bonds. The systematic name of this enzyme class is 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde hydro-lyase . Other names in common use include (S)-norlaudanosoline synthase, and 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde hydro-lyase (adding dopamine). This enzyme participates in benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis.

References

• Stadler R, Zenk MH (1990). "A revision of the generally accepted pathway for the biosynthesis of the benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline reticuline". Liebigs Ann. Chem.: 555–562. doi:10.1002/jlac.1990199001104.
• Stadler R, Kutchan TM, Zenk MH (1989). "(S)-Norcoclaurine is the central intermediate in benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis". Phytochemistry. 28 (4): 1083–1086. doi:10.1016/0031-9422(89)80187-6.
• Samanani N, Facchini PJ (2002). "Purification and characterization of norcoclaurine synthase. The first committed enzyme in benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis in plants". J. Biol. Chem. 277 (37): 33878–83. doi:10.1074/jbc.M203051200. PMID 12107162.