Terpene Synthase Family
Terpene synthase enzymes are the molecular machinery responsible for constructing terpenes in cannabis and most plants. These proteins catalyze the conversion of simple precursor molecules (geranyl pyrophosphate and farnesyl pyrophosphate) into the hundreds of volatile compounds that define a strain's aroma profile. Different terpene synthase variants determine which terpenes accumulate; for example, limonene synthase produces citrus notes, while myrcene synthase contributes earthy, herbal character. Understanding terpene synthase activity is central to cannabis breeding, as these enzymes are regulated by genetics, developmental stage, and environmental conditions like light and temperature.
Terpene Synthase Family strains
No strains tagged into Terpene Synthase Family yet — they'll appear here as breeders submit lineage records under this aroma.
Terpene synthase enzymes are the molecular machinery responsible for constructing terpenes in cannabis and most plants. These proteins catalyze the conversion of simple precursor molecules (geranyl pyrophosphate and farnesyl pyrophosphate) into the hundreds of volatile compounds that define a strain's aroma profile. Different terpene synthase variants determine which terpenes accumulate; for example, limonene synthase produces citrus notes, while myrcene synthase contributes earthy, herbal character. Understanding terpene synthase activity is central to cannabis breeding, as these enzymes are regulated by genetics, developmental stage, and environmental conditions like light and temperature.
Breeders working to enhance or stabilize specific aroma profiles study terpene synthase expression patterns across cultivars. Selecting parent plants with high-activity synthase genes for desired compounds allows predictable inheritance of terpene-dominant phenotypes in offspring.
Educational reference · Cultivar metadata only · No medical claims