Terpenoids include high value chemicals such as pharmaceuticals, chemical precursors and fine chemicals. Fruthermore, terpenoids are of interest as environmental-friendly replacement of fossil derivate chemicals. Here, the 2 C methyl D erythritol 4 phosphate (MEP) pathway was analyzed in Escherichia coli through metabolic control analysis for production of the model terpenoid isoprene. Several limiting steps were identified and their implication for an efficient pathway design is discussed.