The methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway is a biochemical route used by many bacteria, algae, and plants to synthesize isoprenoids, which are essential compounds for various biological functions. This pathway operates in the plastids of plant cells and is distinct from the mevalonate pathway found in animals. In the MEP pathway, the precursor molecule glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate combines with pyruvate to produce methylerythritol phosphate. This series of enzymatic reactions ultimately leads to the formation of isoprenoid precursors, which are vital for the production of chlorophyll, carotenoids, and other important biomolecules.