“Abstract
Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) plants produce and accumulate a terpene-rich resin in glandular
trichomes, which are abundant on the surface of the female inflorescence. Bouquets of different monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes are important components of cannabis resin as
they define some of the unique organoleptic properties and may also influence medicinal
qualities of different cannabis strains and varieties. Transcriptome analysis of trichomes of
the cannabis hemp variety ‘Finola’ revealed sequences of all stages of terpene biosynthesis.
Nine cannabis terpene synthases (CsTPS) were identified in subfamilies TPS-a and TPS-b.
Functional characterization identified mono- and sesqui-TPS, whose products collectively
comprise most of the terpenes of ‘Finola’ resin, including major compounds such as β-myrcene, (E)-β-ocimene, (-)-limonene, (+)-α-pinene, β-caryophyllene, and α-humulene. Transcripts associated with terpene biosynthesis are highly expressed in trichomes compared to
non-resin producing tissues. Knowledge of the CsTPS gene family may offer opportunities
for selection and improvement of terpene profiles of interest in different cannabis strains and
varieties.”
Terpene Synthasis.pdf (4.5 MB)
