Triterpene

Class of chemical compounds

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References

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

• Terpene
• Steroid
• Isoprene

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.

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  Squalene

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  Hopane

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  Cholesterol