Plant Chemical Compounds and Their Uses

Flashcards covering key terms related to plant chemical compounds and their medicinal uses.

Glycolysis

A metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, releasing energy.

Primary Metabolites

Large molecules generally of moderate medical value, involved in vital metabolic processes.

Secondary Metabolites

Smaller molecules that often have significant medical value and are involved in plant defense.

Alkaloids

Nitrogen-containing compounds that have strong physiological effects and are medically important.

Cardiac Glycosides

Compounds that affect heart muscles; often used in medicine.

Cyanogenic Glycosides

Compounds that release cyanide when metabolized; can be toxic.

Terpenoids

Class of compounds known as volatile oils, often fragrant and evaporate at room temperature.

Phenolic Compounds

Aromatic compounds that contain benzene rings; some have medicinal uses.

Salicylates

Compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, derived from Salix plants.

Tannins

Compounds known for their disinfectant, antiseptic, and astringent properties.

Photosynthesis

Process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Cellular Respiration

The process of breaking down glucose and other organic molecules to produce energy, mainly in the form of ATP.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in cells by lowering the activation energy.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions that occur in an organism to maintain life.

Genetic Variation

Differences in DNA sequences among individuals that contribute to diversity in a population.

Chlorophyll

The green pigment found in plants that is essential for photosynthesis.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary energy carrier in cells, providing energy for various cellular processes.

Anaerobic Respiration

The process of producing cellular energy without oxygen, typically resulting in lactic acid or alcohol.

Aerobic Respiration

The process of producing cellular energy with oxygen, resulting in the complete oxidation of glucose.

Fermentation

A metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol, used by microorganisms and in food production.