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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]
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 ...
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.
Terpenes, “terps” for short, are pungent compounds that plants produce to repel pests and attract pollinators. If you’ve never heard of terpenes, you’d be surprised to know they’re ...
Well-known terpenoids include citral, menthol, camphor, salvinorin A in the plant Salvia divinorum, ginkgolide and bilobalide found in Ginkgo biloba and the cannabinoids found in cannabis. The provitamin beta carotene is a terpene derivative called a carotenoid. The steroids and sterols in animals are biologically produced from terpenoid ...
Many monoterpenes are volatile compounds and some of them are well-known fragrants found in the essential oils of many plants. [12] For example, camphor, citral, citronellol, geraniol, grapefruit mercaptan, eucalyptol, ocimene, myrcene, limonene, linalool, menthol, camphene and pinenes are used in perfumes and cosmetic products.
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]
Tetraterpenes are terpenes consisting of eight isoprene units and have the molecular formula C 40 H 64. [1] Tetraterpenoids (including many carotenoids) are tetraterpenes that have been chemically modified, as indicated by the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups.