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.

Herbal medicine