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The terpenoids, sometimes referred to as isoprenoids, are a class of naturally occurring chemicals similar to terpenes, derived from five-carbon isoprene units assembled and modified in thousands of ways. Most are multicyclic structures which differ from one another not only in functional groups, but also in their basic carbon skeletons.
Terpenoids of different sizes and composition are found in all classes of living things, and are the largest group of natural products. Plant terpenoids are extensively used for their aromatic qualities. They play a role in traditional herbal remedies and are under investigation for antibacterial, antineoplastic and other pharmaceutical effects.
Terpenoids contribute to the scent of eucalyptus, the flavors of cinnamon, cloves and ginger and the color of yellow flowers. The cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant are also terpenoids.
Many organisms manifacture terpenoids/isoprenoids through the HMG-CoA reductase pathway, the metabolic pathway that also produces cholesterol. Isoprenylation is the addition of isoprenoids to proteins, e.g. to enhance their attachment to the cell membrane.
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