Terpene Synthases
Terpene synthases are enzymatic proteins that catalyze the formation of terpenes from universal precursors like geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) and farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP). In cannabis, these enzymes determine which volatile compounds accumulate in resin glands, directly shaping the plant's aromatic profile. Different terpene synthase genes activate under various developmental and environmental conditions, producing the chemical diversity observed across cultivars. Understanding terpene synthase expression is central to cannabis breeding and cultivation science, as these enzymes represent the biochemical foundation of strain-level aroma variation.
Terpene Synthases strains
No strains tagged into Terpene Synthases yet — they'll appear here as breeders submit lineage records under this family.
Terpene synthases are enzymatic proteins that catalyze the formation of terpenes from universal precursors like geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) and farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP). In cannabis, these enzymes determine which volatile compounds accumulate in resin glands, directly shaping the plant's aromatic profile. Different terpene synthase genes activate under various developmental and environmental conditions, producing the chemical diversity observed across cultivars. Understanding terpene synthase expression is central to cannabis breeding and cultivation science, as these enzymes represent the biochemical foundation of strain-level aroma variation.
Breeders leverage terpene synthase activity to select for desired aromatic profiles across generations. By identifying parent plants with high or selective terpene synthase expression, breeders can stabilize chemotypes with consistent secondary metabolite composition—a key marker for consistency in commercial and research settings.
Educational reference · Cultivar metadata only · No medical claims