Ketosynthase (KS) domains of modular typeIpolyketidesynthases (PKSs) typically catalyze the Claisen condensation of acyl and malonyl units to form linear chains. In stark contrast, the KS of the rhizoxin PKS branching module mediates a Michael addition, which sets the basis for a pharmacophoric δ‐lactone moiety. The precise role of the KS was evaluated by site‐directed mutagenesis, chemical probes