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

Carbohydrates

Macronutrients (sugars, fibers, starches) that are the body’s main source of energy

Monosaccharides

The base of other carbohydrates (simple) - building blocks

Disaccharides

Two monosaccharides that function in transport

Polysaccharides

Storage of energy (starches) and structural (cellulose)

Lipids

Energy storage and waterproofing - long term storage

Triglycerides

Fats and oils - stored in seeds, leaves, stems, roots

Waxes

Long chain fatty acid and alcohol - water repellent (cuticle of leaf)

Proteins

Enzymatic and structural - most complex organic molecules and largest

Enzyme

Biological catalyst - speed up or cause reactions

Denaturation

If plants are not grown in the correct environment, they will suffer - heat, inappropriate pH, cold