We might even be able to genetically engineer plants or microorganisms to produce these terpenes.

我们也许可以对植物或微生物进行基因改造来生产这些烯。

Some terpenes are used to communicate within the same species, in which case we'd call them a pheromone.

一些烯被于进行内交流，这样烯我们称之为信息素。

But researchers have seen what appears to be more of an actual conversation using terpenes.

但研究者已经发现了似乎更像烯进行真实交流。

I'm talking about terpenes—a multipurpose class of chemical compounds that can be used to communicate both within and across species.

我说烯——一多途可以于内和间沟通交流化合物。

All a molecule has to do to be considered a terpene is have the right structure.

分子想要成为烯，只需要有结构就可以了。

Plants can even use terpenes as a chemical cry for help.

植物甚至能通过烯传递求救化学信息。

In April Ichitan, Thailand's biggest teamaker, launched two drinks infused with terpene, a compound responsible for cannabis's pong.

今年4月，泰国最大饮品制造商Ichitan推出了两含有烯饮料，烯一与大麻相互作化合物。

One reason these smells are strong is that terpenes tend to be volatile, meaning that they evaporate easily.

这些气味浓重一个原因烯会挥发——意思就说，它们很容易就蒸发掉了。

Lots of sweet-smelling flowers, for instance, use terpenes to attract pollinators.

比如许多有香味花朵，使烯来吸引传粉者。

Some terpenes are used to communicate within the same species, in which case we’d call them a pheromone.

一些烯于在同一物内进行交流，在这情况下，我们称它们为信息素。

Based on the specific chemicals detected, the protist can identify the terpene sender’s species.

根据检测到特定化学物质，原生生物可以识别类化合物类。

“Phorbol” refers to a family of related organic molecules that have two terpene chemical groups.

“佛波醇”指一系列相关有两个烯化学基有机分子。

Because it's so broad a label, terpenes can have lots of different biological functions—like as vitamins, hormones, or part of the immune system.

因为烯包罗广泛，因此它们有多不同生物学功能——比如说维生素、激素或者作为免疫系统一部分。

I’m talking about terpenes — a multipurpose class of chemical compounds that can be used to communicate both within and across species.

我说烯——一类多途化合物，可于在物内和物间进行交流。

Most organisms produce complex mixtures of terpenes, not just one or two, which allows for a wider vocabulary and a more complex conversation.

大多数有机体都会产生烯化合物，不一两，这就能够支持更广词汇和更复杂沟通。

So, if scientists can work out how the different molecules signal different species, we can use terpenes to issue our own orders.

如果科学家能够搞清楚不同分子指示何信号，我们可以使烯来发出自己指令。

Based on the specific chemicals detected, the protist can identify the terpene sender's species.

原生生物便可辨识出烯发送者。

But because terpenes are so diverse, some can be used to send information between entirely different kingdoms. Kingdoms of life, I mean.

但因为烯非常多样，其中一些也可于在整个动物界传递信息，这里说生物上界。

Because it’s so broad a label, terpenes can have lots of different biological functions — like as vitamins, hormones, or part of the immune system.

因为它一个如此广泛标签，烯可以具有许多不同生物学功能——比如维生素、激素或免疫系统一部分。

Terpenes aren't the only kinds of molecules species use to communicate with each other, but they are some of the most common.

烯不生物间彼此交流唯一分子，但却使最为普遍一。