Tetraketide compounds serve as key intermediates in the biosynthesis of various natural products, especially in polyketide pathways. They are widely involved in the production of antibiotics, antifungals, and other bioactive molecules in microorganisms and plants. In pharmaceutical research, tetraketides are studied for their role in developing novel drugs due to their structural diversity and biological activity. They also contribute to the synthesis of flavonoids and pigments, making them valuable in agricultural and industrial applications such as natural dye production and plant defense enhancement.