Sesquiterpeeneistä

Sesquiterpenes are a class of terpenes that are derived from three isoprene units, making them a C15 hydrocarbon. They are found in a wide variety of plants and are responsible for many of their characteristic aromas and flavors. These compounds play important roles in plant defense, acting as attractants for pollinators or as deterrents against herbivores and pathogens. The chemical structure of sesquiterpenes is highly diverse, with over 5,000 different known structures. This diversity arises from the various ways the isoprene units can cyclize and arrange themselves. Examples of common sesquiterpenes include farnesene, found in apples and hops, and caryophyllene, a major component of clove oil. Many sesquiterpenes also possess significant biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer properties, which has led to their investigation for pharmaceutical applications. They are also widely used in the fragrance and flavor industries. The biosynthesis of sesquiterpenes involves complex enzymatic pathways within plants, typically starting from farnesyl pyrophosphate.