This enzyme belongs to the family of lyases, specifically those carbon-oxygen lyases acting on phosphates. The systematic name of this enzyme class is geranyl-diphosphate diphosphate-lyase [cyclizing, (−)-(4S)-limonene-forming]. Other names in common use include (−)-(4S)-limonene synthase, 4S-(−)-limonene synthase, geranyldiphosphate diphosphate lyase (limonene forming), geranyldiphosphate diphosphate lyase [cyclizing,, and (4S)-limonene-forming]. This enzyme participates in monoterpenoid biosynthesis.
Colby SM, Alonso WR, Katahira EJ, McGarvey DJ, Croteau R (1993). "4S-limonene synthase from the oil glands of spearmint (Mentha spicata). cDNA isolation, characterization, and bacterial expression of the catalytically active monoterpene cyclase". J. Biol. Chem. 268 (31): 23016–24. PMID8226816.
Yuba A, Yazaki K, Tabata M, Honda G, Croteau R (1996). "cDNA cloning, characterization, and functional expression of 4S-(−)-limonene synthase from Perilla frutescens". Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 332 (2): 280–7. doi:10.1006/abbi.1996.0343. PMID8806736.
(−)-(4S)-limonene + diphosphate