Terpene Biogenesis

Terpene biogenesis refers to the biochemical pathways through which cannabis plants synthesize and accumulate terpenes—volatile organic compounds responsible for aroma and flavor profiles. In cannabis, terpene production begins with the mevalonate and methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathways, which generate isoprene units that combine into larger terpene molecules. These processes occur primarily in glandular trichomes and are influenced by genetics, environmental stress, light exposure, and phenotype expression. Understanding terpene biogenesis helps breeders predict aromatic outcomes and optimize cultivation conditions for consistent secondary metabolite production. This knowledge bridges plant physiology with breeding strategy and is fundamental to cannabis genetics classification.

Breeders studying terpene biogenesis can identify parent lines with robust terpene production capacity and select for stable biosynthetic pathways across generations. Knowledge of these biochemical mechanisms informs decisions about crossing compatible genotypes and stabilizing desired aroma profiles in new cultivars.