Biotech Updates

Genes that Give Cannabis its Flavor

April 12, 2017

Researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) have scanned the genome of cannabis to find genes responsible for their lemony, skunky, or earthy flavors. The team found about 30 terpene synthase genes that contribute to the cannabis plants' diverse flavors. These genes play a role in producing natural products such as limonene, myrcene, and pinene in the cannabis plants. They also found a gene that produces beta-caryophyllene, the signature terpene of cannabis, which interacts with cannabinoid receptors in human cells along with other active ingredients in cannabis.

For more details, read the news article on UBC News.