Triterpenes
Triterpenes
Triterpenes (pronunciation: /traɪˈtɜːrpiːnz/) are a class of chemical compounds composed of three terpene units with the molecular formula C30H48; they may also be thought of as consisting of six isoprene units. They are produced by plants and animals, and are found in a variety of foods, including apples, pears, and certain types of mushrooms.
Etymology
The term "triterpene" comes from the Greek words "tri" (meaning three) and "terpene" (a type of hydrocarbon derived from terpenoids). The name reflects the structure of these compounds, which consist of three terpene units.
Related Terms
- Terpenes: A large and diverse class of organic compounds, produced by a variety of plants, particularly conifers, and by some insects.
- Saponins: A class of chemical compounds, one of many secondary metabolites found in natural sources, with saponins from plants possessing soap-like properties.
- Steroids: Biologically active organic compounds with four rings arranged in a specific molecular configuration. Steroids have two principal biological functions: certain steroids (such as cholesterol) are important components of cell membranes which alter membrane fluidity, while many steroids are hormones.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Triterpenes
- Wikipedia's article - Triterpenes
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