ACC synthase is the rate-limiting enzyme of the ethylene biosynthetic
pathway and requires pyridoxal-5-phosphate as a cofactor. ACC synthase is inhibited by
pyridoxal phosphate inhibitors such as aminoethoxyvinylglycine and aminooxyacetic acid.
Field application of aminoethoxyvinylglycine as a growth regulator (retain, valent chemicals)
is a practical method of delaying the ripening in fruits such as apples, peaches, and
pears. As well, controlled atmosphere storage at very low oxygen levels (1–3%) is a common
practice in commercial operations for long-term storage of fruits such as apples to
reduce the production of ethylene, since oxygen is required for the conversion of ACC to
ethylene