Distribution, Function, and Evolution of a Gene Essential for Trichothecene Toxin Biosynthesis in .

Trichothecenes are terpenoid toxins produced by species in 10 fungal genera, including species of . The trichothecene biosynthetic gene () cluster typically includes the gene, which encodes a terpene synthase that catalyzes formation of trichodiene, the parent compound of all trichothecenes. The two species, and , that have been examined are unique in that is located outside the cluster in a genomic region that does not include other known genes.