Terpenes

Summary

Terpenes are a group of lipids composed of individual units called isoprene. Isoprene is a 5-carbon structure that fits together in various ways to make all the different terpenes! One of the most important terpenes to know is a compound called squalene. Squalene is important because it eventually becomes cholesterol, which is a crucial biomolecule in our bodies! Finally, terpenes are non-polar, hydrophobic molecules that dissolve well in oil but poorly in water!

Key Points

• Terpenes
  • Structure:
    • Terpenes are a type of lipid composed of isoprene units
      • Isoprene: 5-carbon unit with the formula (C5H8)n
      • 
      • Monoterpene: 2 Isoprenes (10 C)
      • Sesquiterpene: 3 Isoprenes (15 C)
      • Diterpene: 4 Isoprenes (20 C)
      • Triterpene: 6 Isoprenes (30 C)
        • Squalene is an triterpene
  • Roles:
    • Precursor to cholesterol and steroids
      • Isoprene → monoterpene → squalene → cholesterol → steroid hormones
  • Unique Properties:
    • Terpenoids (a.k.a. isoprenoids) are terpenes with additional functional groups, usually oxygen
  • Nonpolar/hydrophobic