Herbal Medicine Flashcards
1
Q
In plants, what are primary and secondary metabolites? Give examples.
A
Primary metabolites: compounds in the plant that are needed for the plant to grow and function , a normal byproduct of respiration in the plant
Eg starch (energy storage)
Lignin (structural support)
Cellulose (withstand cellular pressure)
Secondary metabolites:
Assist the plants survival within its environment- defence against pathogens, protection from decomposition - variations in the way that the plant is grown due to the threats around it.
Eg tannins in green tea protect plant from decomposition. They astringe mucous membranes and reduce watery secretions - we can get benefits from this
