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In plants, terpenes and terpenoids are important mediators of ecological interactions. For example, they play a role in plant defense against herbivory, disease resistance, attraction of mutualists such as pollinators, as well as potentially plant-plant communication. [14] [15] They appear to play roles as antifeedants. [2]
A terpene is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon based on combinations of the isoprene unit. Terpenoids are compounds related to terpenes, which may include some oxygen functionality or some rearrangement, however the two terms are often used interchangeably.
While sometimes used interchangeably with "terpenes", terpenoids contain additional functional groups, usually containing oxygen. [1] When combined with the hydrocarbon terpenes, terpenoids comprise about 80,000 compounds. [2] They are the largest class of plant secondary metabolites, representing about 60% of known natural products. [3]
Terpenes, “terps” for short, are pungent compounds that plants produce to repel pests and attract pollinators. Skip to main content. 24/7 ...
Several diterpenes are produced by plants and cyanobacteria. GGPP is also the precursor for the synthesis of the phytane by the action of the enzyme geranylgeranyl reductase. This compound is used for the biosynthesis of tocopherols and the phytyl functional group is used in the formation of chlorophyll a , ubiquinones , plastoquinone and ...
For example, sabinene contributes to the spicy taste of black pepper, 3-carene gives cannabis an earthy taste and smell, citral has a lemon-like pleasant odor and contributes to the distinctive smell of citrus fruits, and thujene and carvacrol are responsible for the pungent flavors of summer savory and oregano, respectively.
They are found in many plants and can cause allergic reactions and toxicity if consumed excessively, particularly in grazing livestock. [ 9 ] The term merosesquiterpenoids was coined in 1968 to describe molecules of this class that have a mixed biosynthetic origin, meaning isoprenoid precursors like isopentenyl pyrophosphate are derived from ...
Triterpenes are a class of terpenes composed of six isoprene units with the molecular formula C 30 H 48; they may also be thought of as consisting of three terpene units. Animals, plants and fungi all produce triterpenes, including squalene, the precursor to all steroids. [1] [2]