Dihydrodipicolinate synthase $($DHDPS$)($EC $4\mathrm{.}3\mathrm{.}3\mathrm{.}7)$ catalyses the aldol$-$like condensation of

pyruvate and L$-$aspartate beta semi$-$aldehyde $($S$-$ASA$).$ It is an enzyme involved in the lysine

biosynthetic pathway of procaryotes, some Phycomycetes and higher plants. Since this pathway is

not present in animals, pathway members such as DHDPS have become attractive targets for

rational antibiotic and herbicide drug design.