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    Plant BioChemistry

    Plant biochemistry deals with both the chemical and physiological processes which occur within plants. These processes are essential for proper plant functioning and they are all connected. Different reactants and products are necessary for all of these processes to occur and often the products of one reaction are required for a different reaction to take place.

    Understanding the mechanisms of respiration and photosynthesis are imperative in plant biochemistry because these processes form the foundation of plant functioning. Respiration depends on photosynthesis to create glucose so that during respiration these molecules can be metabolized and energy can be created. Respiration can either be aerobic or anaerobic in plants, depending on whether oxygen is used, but the overall objective of respiration is the same, to produce energy.

    Photosynthesis is comprised of two important and interconnected processes: the light reactions and the dark reactions. Without both of these processes, glucose molecules cannot be made. Furthermore, in different climates, plants have acquired slightly different photosynthetic pathways which allow them to perform photosynthesis optimally in their environments. These pathway differences have to do with water efficiency and the functioning of important enzymes.  Plants can be classified as either being C3, C4 or CAM plants:

    C3 plants: C3 is the most common photosynthetic pathway. These plants function well in moderate climates, with cool and moist conditions and moderate light intensity.

    C4 plants: These plants are better in environments with greater light intensity and higher temperatures compared to C3 plants.

    CAM plants: These plants are usually found in arid environments.

    Besides these two major processes, other important functions of plants include nitrogen uptake, the role of phytohormones and the role of minerals. Having a firm understanding of how a plant functions chemically and physiologically is essential, especially for applications such as genetic engineering and food production.  

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    BrainMass Categories within Plant BioChemistry

    Respiration

    Solutions: 2

    Plant respiration is a vital process which allows plants to metabolize stored glucose molecules, in which the materials have been obtained from photosynthesis, to produce energy.

    Minerals

    Solutions: 1

    Minerals are naturally occurring substances which are necessary for development, growth and maintenance.

    Nitrogen Uptake

    Solutions: 1

    Nitrogen uptake refers to the fixation of useable nitrogen forms, which in plants are nitrate (NO3-) and ammonia (NH3).

    Phytohormones

    Solutions: 1

    Phytohormones are plant hormones which play a role in regulating cellular actives such as plant growth.

    Photosynthesis

    Solutions: 37

    Photosynthesis is the process used by plants to produce carbohydrates, in the form of sugars and starches, by harnessing energy from the sun and combining this with CO2 molecules.

    BrainMass Solutions Available for Instant Download

    Phytoremediation Technologies

    a. If soil is contaminated with dioxin, what kind of phytoremediation may be successful in removing it and why? b. If soil is contaminated with TCE, can phytoremediation remove it, and how? c. When a site is contaminated with a low concentration of metals, can phytoremediation be implemented, and if so, how? d. What can hi

    The photosynthetic carbon reduction cycle (PCR).

    Please help with the following questions: 1) Explain how CO2 enters leaves. What environmental factors control stomatal movement? How are these factors related to physical and chemical properties that control the opening and closing of stomata? 2) What are the primary stages in the photosynthetic carbon reduction (PCR) cyc

    Why Leaves Change Color

    Plants absorb light energy using special molecules called photosynthetic pigments (predominantly chlorophylls). These pigments absorb most of the visible light except for wavelengths in the green part of the spectrum. Consequently, plants appear green. However, what happens in the fall when leaves change colors? Why are there so

    Effects on photosynthesis of lack of carotenoids

    Please explain....Need help with... A particular plant has chlorophyll a&b, xanthophylls, but no carotenoids. How will this affect the wavelength of lights under which it can be successfully grown?

    I do not know how to do this i hope some smart biology student can help me please

    Table and questions Details: Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis co-exist as paired metabolic processes. Photosynthesis uses light energy to convert carbon dioxide into glucose, a simple sugar, in two steps, the light dependent and light independent reactions. Oxygen is produced as a by product during photosynthesis. Th

    Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis co-exist as paired processes. Photosynthesis converts light energy into organic molecules such as carbohydrates. These molecules are picked up and utilized as fuel sources in organisms that employ Cellular Respiration for production of ATP and CO2.

    Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis co-exist as paired processes. Photosynthesis converts light energy into organic molecules such as carbohydrates. These molecules are picked up and utilized as fuel sources in organisms that employ Cellular Respiration for production of ATP and CO2. Explain the processes of photosynth

    Photosynthesis

    What is important about light in consideration to plants (explain for a standpoint of Photons) How is this energy harnessed and what is it used for (be Specific)