Sesquiterpene Metabolism

Sesquiterpene metabolism refers to the biosynthetic and enzymatic pathways through which cannabis plants produce sesquiterpenes—15-carbon terpenes that contribute to aroma, flavor, and plant chemistry. Key sesquiterpenes include β-caryophyllene, β-myrcene precursors, and humulene, which arise from farnesyl pyrophosphate through multiple enzymatic steps. Plant genetic architecture, environmental stress, developmental stage, and nutrient availability influence sesquiterpene accumulation patterns. Breeders studying sesquiterpene metabolism seek to understand heritability of specific terpene ratios and the underlying enzymatic regulation. This metabolic family is fundamental to terpene profiling work and phenotype selection in breeding programs.

Breeders working in sesquiterpene-focused selection programs monitor metabolic efficiency and sesquiterpene synthase expression across generations. Understanding sesquiterpene metabolism helps predict terpene stability, environmental resilience, and phenotype consistency in F1 and stabilized lines.