Triterpene: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Class of chemical compounds}} | |||
{{Chembox | |||
| Name = Triterpene | |||
| ImageFile1 = Squalene.svg | |||
| ImageSize1 = 200px | |||
| ImageAlt1 = Squalene structure | |||
| ImageCaption1 = Structure of [[Squalene]] | |||
| ImageFile2 = Hopane.svg | |||
| ImageSize2 = 200px | |||
| ImageAlt2 = Hopane structure | |||
| ImageCaption2 = Structure of [[Hopane]] | |||
| ImageFile3 = Cholesterol.svg | |||
| ImageSize3 = 200px | |||
| ImageAlt3 = Cholesterol structure | |||
| ImageCaption3 = Structure of [[Cholesterol]] | |||
}} | |||
'''Triterpenes''' are a class of [[terpenes]] consisting of six [[isoprene]] units and having the molecular formula C<sub>30</sub>H<sub>48</sub>. They are found in a wide variety of plants and animals and are the precursors to [[steroids]] in both plants and animals. | |||
Triterpenes are | |||
== | ==Structure and biosynthesis== | ||
Triterpenes are synthesized via the [[mevalonate pathway]] in [[eukaryotes]] and some [[bacteria]]. The process begins with the condensation of two molecules of [[farnesyl pyrophosphate]] to form [[squalene]], a linear triterpene. Squalene can then undergo cyclization to form various triterpene structures, such as [[hopane]] and [[lanosterol]], the latter being a precursor to [[cholesterol]] and other steroids. | |||
== | ==Functions and occurrence== | ||
Triterpenes | Triterpenes serve various functions in plants and animals. In plants, they often act as [[defense mechanisms]] against herbivores and pathogens. In animals, triterpenes like cholesterol are crucial components of [[cell membranes]] and precursors to [[hormones]]. | ||
== | Triterpenes are also found in [[fungi]] and [[bacteria]], where they can play roles in [[cellular structure]] and [[metabolism]]. | ||
==Examples of triterpenes== | |||
* '''[[Squalene]]''' - A precursor to all triterpenes and steroids, found in high concentrations in [[shark liver oil]] and [[olive oil]]. | |||
* '''[[Hopane]]''' - A pentacyclic triterpene commonly found in [[bacterial cell membranes]]. | |||
* '''[[Cholesterol]]''' - A vital component of animal cell membranes and a precursor to steroid hormones. | |||
==Applications== | |||
Triterpenes have various applications in [[medicine]] and [[cosmetics]]. They are studied for their potential [[anti-inflammatory]], [[antiviral]], and [[anticancer]] properties. Some triterpenes are used in [[traditional medicine]] and as [[dietary supplements]]. | |||
==Related pages== | |||
* [[Terpene]] | * [[Terpene]] | ||
* [[Steroid]] | * [[Steroid]] | ||
* [[Isoprene]] | |||
== References == | ==References== | ||
* [[National Center for Biotechnology Information]]. "Triterpenes." PubChem Compound Database, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Triterpenes. | |||
* [[Harborne, J.B.]], and [[Baxter, H.]] (1993). ''Phytochemical Dictionary: A Handbook of Bioactive Compounds from Plants''. [[Taylor & Francis]]. | |||
[[Category: | [[Category:Triterpenes]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Terpenes and terpenoids]] | ||
[[Category:Biochemistry]] | [[Category:Biochemistry]] | ||
Revision as of 20:57, 9 February 2025
Class of chemical compounds
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Triterpenes are a class of terpenes consisting of six isoprene units and having the molecular formula C30H48. They are found in a wide variety of plants and animals and are the precursors to steroids in both plants and animals.
Structure and biosynthesis
Triterpenes are synthesized via the mevalonate pathway in eukaryotes and some bacteria. The process begins with the condensation of two molecules of farnesyl pyrophosphate to form squalene, a linear triterpene. Squalene can then undergo cyclization to form various triterpene structures, such as hopane and lanosterol, the latter being a precursor to cholesterol and other steroids.
Functions and occurrence
Triterpenes serve various functions in plants and animals. In plants, they often act as defense mechanisms against herbivores and pathogens. In animals, triterpenes like cholesterol are crucial components of cell membranes and precursors to hormones.
Triterpenes are also found in fungi and bacteria, where they can play roles in cellular structure and metabolism.
Examples of triterpenes
- Squalene - A precursor to all triterpenes and steroids, found in high concentrations in shark liver oil and olive oil.
- Hopane - A pentacyclic triterpene commonly found in bacterial cell membranes.
- Cholesterol - A vital component of animal cell membranes and a precursor to steroid hormones.
Applications
Triterpenes have various applications in medicine and cosmetics. They are studied for their potential anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Some triterpenes are used in traditional medicine and as dietary supplements.
Related pages
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Triterpenes." PubChem Compound Database, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Triterpenes.
- Harborne, J.B., and Baxter, H. (1993). Phytochemical Dictionary: A Handbook of Bioactive Compounds from Plants. Taylor & Francis.
