// Definition
Chemical signaling molecules used for communication between organisms. In cannabis, terpenes function as semiochemicals, broadcasting signals from the plant into the surrounding biosphere as part of an ancient chemical language shared between bacteria, fungi, animals, and plants.
// From the Episode
Chimera (Ryan Lee) introduced this concept, explaining that terpenes are semiochemicals - signaling molecules - and that terpenoids are the largest chemical class of molecules on the planet. He described them as 'this language that is spoken between bacteria and fungi and animals and plants.' He compared the trichome gland to a Wardenclyffe tower broadcasting chemical signals from the plant. Dr. Mark added the correction that terpenoids (the broader class including sulfur-containing compounds) are technically the largest class, with terpenes being a subclass.