In contrast to the biosynthesis of short-chain alkanes, the
genomics, molecular biology and biochemistry of monoterpenes
and diterpene resin acids in conifers have been
studied in much detail (for recent reviews, see Keeling and
Bohlmann, 2006a,b). Unlike the often functionalized monoterpenes
in the Lamiaceae, such as ())-menthol in peppermint
(see above), most of the monoterpenes that
accumulate in conifer oleoresin are the direct products of
TPS and are not typically modified by other enzymes.