1. Any of a large class of organic compounds derived from or structurally related to isoprene, including terpenes, steroids, and carotenoids.
Usage: chemistry; biochemistry

1. Of, relating to, or being an isoprenoid compound.
Usage: chemistry; biochemistry

Examples

• Cholesterol is an important isoprenoid found in animal cell membranes.
• Carotenoids are isoprenoid pigments responsible for the orange and yellow colors in plants.
• The isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway is essential for producing many vital molecules in living organisms.
• Terpenes are a diverse group of isoprenoids found in essential oils and plant resins.
• Scientists study isoprenoid metabolism to understand how cells regulate growth and function.
• Vitamin A is an isoprenoid compound critical for vision and immune function.