Chapter 1: What is Plant Biology

Introduction to Basic Life Building Blocks

Autotrophs

Plants are autotrophs, meaning they make their own food by photosynthesis (chemicals)

Heterotrophs

Animals are heterotrophs, meaning that they they must take in food by eating other organisms

Element

A substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemicals means. These are classified as metals or non-metals. All other substances are combinations of elements

Important elements

Needed for plant survival: Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O)

Macronutrients: (Primary) Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), (Secondary) Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sulfur (S)

Micronutrients: Iron (Fe), Boron (B), Chlorine (Cl), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Nickle* (Ni), Manganese (Mn)

Compound 

A chemical combination of 2 or more elements 

Molecule

The smallest unit of a compound that still retains the chemical and physical properties of a compound

H-bonds responsible for Adhesion

When water sticks to other surfaces

H-bonds responsible for Cohesion

Water is attracted to water - EX: surface tension of water and droplet formation

Acids 

Release H+ atoms in water - Strong acids release many (stomach acid) and weak acids release fewer (vinegar) 

Bases (alkaline)

Releases OH- in water OR accept H+

pH expression 

0-6 = acids; 8-14 = alkaline; 7 = neutral 

Plants are around 5-7 for majority of them

Salt

Positive ion of base plus Negative ion of acid