De-mystifying the study of volatile organic plant compounds
Wednesday, January 13, 2016 - 14:51
in Biology & Nature
Similar to human pheromones, all plants emit signaling chemicals. The chemicals, called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are ubiquitous. The smell of freshly cut grass is caused by a VOC. Ever wonder why Christmas trees easily catch fire? Conifer trees emit a flammable group of VOCs called terpenes.