Introduction to Plant Metabolism

Study Notes

Plants have the ability to transform simple raw materials into a vast array of complex and diverse chemical compounds through metabolism.
This process sustains the plant's own growth and development and provides valuable natural products with numerous applications in various industries.

Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for plants and play a crucial role in various physiological processes, such as photosynthesis, respiration, and the formation of structural components like cellulose and hemicellulose.
Lipids serve as energy storage compounds and structural components in plant cell membranes, and also play a role in signaling and hormone regulation.
Proteins are the fundamental building blocks of plant cells, participating in a wide range of biological processes, such as enzyme catalysis, structural support, and transportation.

Alkaloids are a diverse group of nitrogen-containing compounds that often have potent pharmacological effects, such as stimulant, analgesic, or psychoactive properties.
Terpenoids are a large and structurally diverse class of secondary metabolites that play important roles in plant defense, signaling, and the production of essential oils.
Phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and tannins, are known for their antioxidant properties and are believed to offer protection against various environmental stresses.
Glycosides are compounds consisting of a sugar molecule and a non-sugar molecule, and are often involved in plant defense mechanisms and signaling pathways.

Morphine is a potent analgesic alkaloid derived from the opium poppy, used for centuries in traditional medicine and still widely used in modern medicine for the management of severe pain.
Nicotine is a highly addictive alkaloid found in tobacco plants, known for its stimulant and mood-altering effects, but also has harmful health consequences.
Caffeine is a stimulant alkaloid found in various plants, known for its ability to enhance alertness and cognitive function.
Carotenoids are a class of terpenoid pigments responsible for the vibrant colors of many fruits and vegetables, and also play crucial roles in photosynthesis and plant defense mechanisms.
Flavonoids are a large and diverse group of phenolic compounds responsible for the vibrant colors of many flowers, fruits, and leaves, and have antioxidant properties.
Tannins are polyphenolic compounds that have the ability to bind and precipitate proteins, and are often found in the bark, leaves, and fruits of plants.
Lignins are complex phenolic polymers that provide structural support and rigidity to the cell walls of plants, particularly in woody tissues.
Salicylates are a class of phenolic compounds that include salicylic acid, which is known for its role in plant defense responses and the regulation of various physiological processes.

Pharmaceuticals: Many important drugs are derived from plant-based secondary metabolites, such as morphine from opium poppies and taxol from the Pacific yew tree.
Agrochemicals: Plant-derived compounds are used as pesticides, herbicides, and biopesticides, often as more environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic chemicals.
Food and Flavors: Plant metabolites are widely used as natural flavorings, colorants, and preservatives in the food and beverage industry.