Cannabis labelling is associated with genetic variation in terpene synthase genes

Nat Plants. 2021 Oct;7(10):1330-1334. doi: 10.1038/s41477-021-01003-y. Epub 2021 Oct 14.

Abstract

Analysis of over 100 Cannabis samples quantified for terpene and cannabinoid content and genotyped for over 100,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms indicated that Sativa- and Indica-labelled samples were genetically indistinct on a genome-wide scale. Instead, we found that Cannabis labelling was associated with variation in a small number of terpenes whose concentrations are controlled by genetic variation at tandem arrays of terpene synthase genes.

MeSH terms

  • Alkyl and Aryl Transferases / genetics*
  • Alkyl and Aryl Transferases / metabolism
  • Cannabinoids / metabolism*
  • Cannabis / enzymology
  • Cannabis / genetics*
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Genotype
  • Plant Proteins / genetics*
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Terpenes / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cannabinoids
  • Plant Proteins
  • Terpenes
  • Alkyl and Aryl Transferases
  • terpene synthase