The enzyme catalyses a step in the formation of (3E)-4,8-dimethylnona-1,3,7-triene, a key signal molecule in induced plant defense mediated by the attraction of enemies of herbivores [1]. Nerolidol is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene found in the essential oils of many types of plants.
The maize gene terpene synthase 1 encodes a sesquiterpene synthase catalyzing the formation of (E)-beta-farnesene, (E)-nerolidol, and (E,E)-farnesol after herbivore damage.