Polycyclic isoprenoids

Polycyclic isoprenoids are divided into groups based on how many C₁₀ units, or we say terpenoids their precursors possessed. Thus, for example, a triterpane had a precursor that had between 30 and 40 carbons.

• Monoterpenoids, C₁₀
• Diterpenoids, C₂₀
• Triterpenoids, C₃₀ (all synthesized from the same precursor, squalene)
  • Steroids
  • Hopanoids
• Tetraterpenoids, C₄₀, which include carotenoids

>>Biomarker classification

>>>Lipids

>>>>Acetogenic lipids

>>>>Isoprenoids

>>>>Acyclic and cyclic isoprenoids

>>>>Polycyclic isoprenoids

>>>>Hopanoids

>>>>Steroids

>>>>Carotenoids

>>>>Squalene

>>>Kerogen

>>>Diagenesis and catagenesis

>>Biomarker as Source Indicator

>＞>Steranes, hopanes etc

>＞>Hydrocarbons

>＞>Environmental Indicators

＞＞>Indicators of Euxinia

＞＞Experimental methods to extract biomarkers

>>>Source rock

>>>Extraction

>>>Fractionation

>>>GCMS