Methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) is a chemical compound that plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of isoprenoids, which are important for various biological functions. It is part of the non-mevalonate pathway, a metabolic route found in many bacteria, plants, and some protozoa, allowing them to produce essential compounds like vitamins and hormones. MEP is synthesized from glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and pyruvate through a series of enzymatic reactions. This pathway is significant because it provides a target for antibiotics and herbicides, as it is absent in animals, making it a potential area for developing new therapeutic agents.