The defensive function of the glucosinolate–myrosinase system in plants of the order Capparales results from the formation of isothiocyanates when glucosinolates are hydrolysed by myrosinases upon tissue damage. In some glucosinolate-containing plant species, as well as in the insect herbivore Pieris rapae, protein factors alter the outcome of myrosinase-catalysed glu-cosinolate hydrolysis, leading to the formation of products other than isothiocyanates.