plant biochemistry (secondary products)

Primary products

Occurs in all plant cells, necessary for cell survival

Secondary products

Specialized differentiated cells, small amounts, benefits plant as whole,often physiologically active/psychoactive effects

Functions of secondary products

Detoxifiers (neutralize waste product/toxins), chemical defense, attractants (luring pollinators/dispersers)

Pharmacological uses of secondary products

Hormones, anti-cancer agents, antibiotics, narcotics, stimulants, depressants, antihistamines, hallucinogens, poisons, pesticides

3 major groups of secondary products

Alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics

Alkaloids

Nitrogen in heterocyclic rings, bitter/potentially toxic, evolved anti-herbivore/antibiotic defense, pharmacologically active (medical, poisonous, hallucinogenic)

Terpenoids

Built from five carbon isoprene, scents (volatile or essential oils), medicinal or antibiotic properties

Terpenoids glycosides

Sugars attached to non-sugar terpenoids (aglycones), cardiac or steroidal

Cardiac glycosides

Stimulating effect on heart

Saponin or steroidal glycosides

Mammalian hormone precursors

Phenolics

Aromatic ring attached to hydroxyl group, plant pigments/poisons, medicinal drugs