Why Do Plants Produce So Many Terpenoid Compounds?

Plants are known to synthesize several hundred terpenoid compounds with different roles. Several of these compounds are used as antioxidants, protein modification reagents, phytohormones and more. There are various plant lineages that can synthesize hundreds of unique terpenoids.

A cannabis plant with flowerBefore you buy natural terpenes for cannabis, let’s discuss this in further detail.

Terpenoid Compounds and Their Purpose

A plant’s ability to synthesize new compounds rises drastically when it’s a result of gradual change in their botanic enemies or partners. This process is called the ‘coevelutionary arms race.’ Additionally, the diversity of terpenoid compounds has a number of cumulative benefits that a single compound doesn’t.

Terpenoids and Their Production

Terpenoids are chemical compounds present in all living organisms. Flowering and green plants have naturally high amounts of terpenoids. The number of unique terpenoid compounds can be in the thousands.

 

However, there are certain terpenoids that are found inside almost all the plants and are called ‘metabolites.’ A majority of the terpenoids’ given lineage are restricted or comprise a single species making them special terpenoids.

 

Terpenoids are tasked with primary metabolism for the plant that includes protein, hormones, modification agents, anti-oxidants, membrane fluidity determinants, electron transfer systems and more. The role of terpenoids has evolved throughout the history of green plants and it plays a major role in the ecological interactions of plants with abiotic and biotic elements of the environment.

 

These roles also includes defense against pathogens and herbivores and also signal beneficial organism like mycorrhiza and pollinators. The evolution of terpenoids in plants has been facilitated with the evolution of genes that train enzymes capable of making fresh metabolites.

Advantages of Terpenoids

Terpenoids are classified as being the first plant compounds that have a commercially important interest called terpenes. Both terpenes and terpenoids are significant for a lot of facets of human life. You can buy terpene strains to make your eating experience better.

 

Moreover, terpenoid pigments like lycopene, astaxanthin or bixin are widely used in the food industry. Most spices and herbs contain terpenoids as an important flavor component. But that’s not all—some terpenoid compounds can also be useful for treating heart diseases.

Disadvantages of Terpenoids for Trees

Most terpenes are flammable and larger amounts of these are present in trees. These can intensify forest fires or help them spread faster.

 

Cannabis plant with leaves

Terpene consumption has numerous distinct affects. If you’re looking to try best tasting terps in CA, Gold Coast Terpenes has a variety of terpenes for sale in California, Florida, Colorado and Michigan. Contact us today to learn more.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *