Biochemistry and Biotechnology of Plants

Study Notes

Biochemistry of Plants

Photosynthesis
- Process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.
- Occurs in chloroplasts; involves two stages: light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle.
Plant Metabolism
- Primary Metabolites
  - Essential for growth and development (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids).
- Secondary Metabolites
  - Compounds not directly involved in growth (alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids) with ecological roles (defense, attraction).
Hormones
- Chemical messengers regulating growth and development.
- Key plant hormones include auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid, and ethylene.
Cellular Respiration
- Process of converting glucose into energy (ATP).
- Occurs in mitochondria; includes glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.

Biotechnology of Plants

Genetic Engineering
- Techniques to modify plant genomes (CRISPR, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation).
- Applications include developing pest-resistant, drought-tolerant, and high-yield crops.
Tissue Culture
- In vitro cultivation of plant cells/tissues to produce clones.
- Used for propagation, germplasm preservation, and genetic manipulation.
Molecular Markers
- DNA sequences used to identify genetic variation and map traits.
- Useful in breeding programs for disease resistance and yield improvement.
Bioinformatics
- Application of computational tools to analyze plant genomic data.
- Aids in understanding gene functions and interactions in plant systems.
Plant Biomass and Biofuels
- Utilization of plant materials for renewable energy sources.
- Focus on lignocellulosic biomass and bioethanol production.

Applications in Agriculture

Transgenic Crops
- Crops modified to express desirable traits (e.g., Bt cotton for pest resistance).
Sustainable Agriculture
- Use of biotechnological advances to enhance crop resilience and reduce chemical input.
Crop Improvement
- Enhanced nutritional content (biofortification) and resistance to environmental stressors.

Environmental Impact

Bioremediation
- Use of plants to clean contaminated soils and water.
Conservation
- Biotechnology aids in the conservation of endangered plant species and restoration of ecosystems.

Biochemistry of Plants

Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy; occurs in chloroplasts.
Two main stages of photosynthesis: light-dependent reactions generate ATP and NADPH, while the Calvin cycle synthesizes glucose.
Primary Metabolites are crucial for plant growth and development, including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.
Secondary Metabolites serve ecological functions such as defense and attraction; examples include alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids.
Plant hormones act as chemical messengers to regulate growth; key hormones include auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid, and ethylene.
Cellular respiration transforms glucose into ATP energy; takes place in mitochondria through glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.

Biotechnology of Plants

Genetic Engineering encompasses techniques like CRISPR and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation for modifying plant genomes.
Applications of genetic engineering aim for pest resistance, drought tolerance, and high-yield crop development.
Tissue Culture involves in vitro cultivation of plant cells for cloning and propagation; valuable for germplasm preservation and genetic manipulation.
Molecular Markers are specific DNA sequences that help identify genetic variation and map traits, enhancing breeding for disease resistance and yield.
Bioinformatics utilizes computational tools to analyze plant genomic data, aiding in understanding gene functions and interactions.
Plant Biomass and Biofuels focus on the use of lignocellulosic biomass for renewable energy sources, including bioethanol production.

Applications in Agriculture

Transgenic Crops are genetically modified to express enhanced traits, such as Bt cotton for pest resistance.
Sustainable Agriculture leverages biotechnological advancements to improve crop resilience and decrease reliance on chemical inputs.
Crop Improvement strategies aim to enhance nutritional content through biofortification and increase resistance to environmental stressors.

Environmental Impact

Bioremediation employs plants for cleaning contaminated soils and water, contributing to environmental restoration.
Conservation efforts are supported by biotechnology, aiding in preserving endangered plant species and restoring ecosystems.

Description

This quiz covers essential topics in biochemistry and biotechnology related to plants. It includes processes like photosynthesis, plant metabolism, hormonal regulation, and cellular respiration, along with genetic engineering techniques. Test your understanding of how these processes contribute to plant growth and adaptation.