terpenes

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terpenes A group of unsaturated hydrocarbons present in plants (see essential oil). Terpenes consist of isoprene units, CH2:C(CH3)CH:CH2. Monoterpenes have two units, C10H16, sesquiterpenes three units, C15H24, diterpenes four units, C20H32, etc. Derivatives of terpenes, known as terpenoids, include the plant growth substances abscisic acid and gibberellin, and the carotenoid and chlorophyll pigments used in photosynthesis.

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