Diterpene

Diterpenes are a class of chemical compounds composed of two terpene units, often with the molecular formula C20H32. Diterpenes consist of four isoprene subunits. They are biosynthesized by plants, animals and fungi via the HMG-CoA reductase pathway, with geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate being a primary intermediate. Diterpenes form the basis for biologically important compounds such as retinol, retinal, and phytol. They are known to be antimicrobial and antiinflammatory. Diterpenes are a class of chemical compounds composed of two terpene units, often with the molecular formula C20H32. Diterpenes consist of four isoprene subunits. They are biosynthesized by plants, animals and fungi via the HMG-CoA reductase pathway, with geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate being a primary intermediate. Diterpenes form the basis for biologically important compounds such as retinol, retinal, and phytol. They are known to be antimicrobial and antiinflammatory.