1. Why Plants Have Medicical Properties· : Plants produce a wide variety of
biologically active chemicals to enhance their survival.
2. Fundamental Metabolic Processes·
A. Photosynthesis (البناء الضوئي)
· Where? In mesophyll cells containing chlorophyll.
· Inputs: Water (H₂O) + Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) + Sunlight.
· Outputs: Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) + Oxygen (O₂).
· Mnemonic: WCS-GO (Water, CO₂, Sunlight in → Glucose, Oxygen out).
· B. Cellular Respiration (التنفس الخلوي)
· Where? In the mitochondria. · Process: Breaks down glucose to release energy.
· Inputs: Glucose + Oxygen.
· Outputs: Energy + Water + Carbon Dioxide. · Mnemonic: GO-EWC (Glucose, Oxygen in → Energy, Water, CO₂ out).
3. Plant Metabolites (المواد الأيضية للنبات)
· Definition: Intermediates and end products of the plant's biochemical processes.
· A. Primary Metabolites (المواد الأيضية الأولية)
· Role: Essential for growth, development, and basic metabolism (e.g., Photosynthesis & Respiration).
· Presence: Found in all plants and in all living tissues (seeds, vegetative organs).
· Examples: Carbohydrates, Amino Acids, Lipids, Vitamins.
· Mnemonic: CAP-GD (Carbohydrates, Amino acids, Proteins - for Growth and Development).
· B. Secondary Metabolites (المواد الأيضية الثانوية)
· Origin: Biosynthetically derived from Primary Metabolites.
· Role: NOT for basic growth. Functions include:
· Chemical warfare (protection from predators/pathogens).
· Attracting pollinators.
· Protection from abiotic stress (e.g., UV light, drought).
· Source of Medicinal Properties.
· Presence: Limited to specific plant families or tissues.
· Major Groups & Examples (Mnemonic: "A Very Good Pharmacist Treats Sick Patients"): 1. Alkaloids (e.g., Morphine, Caffeine). 2. Volatile Oils (e.g., Peppermint oil). 3. Glycosides (e.g., cardiac glycosides in Foxglove).
4. Phenolic Compounds. 5. Tannins. 6. Saponins. 7. Sterols.