Trichome
Trichome
Trichome (pronounced: /ˈtraɪkoʊm/), from the Greek τρίχωμα (trichōma) meaning "hair", is a term used in botany and medicine to describe outgrowths or appendages on plants, algae, lichens, and certain protists. In the medical field, trichomes are often referred to in the context of cannabis plants, where they play a crucial role in the production of cannabinoids, the active compounds in cannabis.
Etymology
The term "trichome" is derived from the Greek word "trichōma", which translates to "hair" in English. This is a fitting description, as trichomes often resemble tiny hairs when viewed under a microscope.
Function
In the context of botany, trichomes serve a variety of functions, depending on the plant species and the environment. They can help to deter herbivory by producing toxic or unpleasant-tasting compounds, reduce water loss by covering the plant surface, or aid in the capture and digestion of insect prey, as in the case of carnivorous plants.
In cannabis plants, trichomes are responsible for the production of cannabinoids, the chemical compounds that give cannabis its medicinal properties. These include THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is psychoactive, and CBD (cannabidiol), which is not.
Related Terms
- Cannabinoid: A type of compound found in cannabis, many of which have medicinal properties. These are produced in the trichomes of the cannabis plant.
- THC: Tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It is produced in the trichomes of the cannabis plant.
- CBD: Cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis that has a range of medicinal uses. It is also produced in the trichomes of the cannabis plant.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Trichome
- Wikipedia's article - Trichome
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