Research progress in biosynthesis and regulation of plant terpenoids

Terpenoids are aromatic metabolites in plants. They can improve the adaptability of plants to the environment. Some specialized terpenoids have immense value to people because of the applications to medicine, industry and agriculture. However, it is impossible to produce terpenoids in large quantities because of their complex chemical structures and low content in plants. The regulatory mechanism of terpenoids biosynthesis has gradually become a research hot spot. Here, we provide an overview on the synthesis and metabolic pathways, regulatory pathways, and key enzymes in the biosynthetic pathways of terpenoids. This paper will provide references for further exploring the molecular regulation and improving the content of terpenoids in plants.