secondary compounds Flashcards
primary compounds
molecules used for growth and reproduction; carbs, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids
secondary compounds
molecules used for interacting with the environment primarily by sedentary organisms
phoenolics
characterized by a benzene ring with attached hydroxyl groups, water soluble
flavonoids, tannins, phototoxins, salicylic acid, and lignin
flavonoids
provide color other than green
ex: anthocyanins provide floral bright colors
ex: flavones and flavanols provide UV and white pigments
copigmentation
binding of an anthocyanin with a metal to form a new pigment
lignin
2nd most abundant polymer, makes plants woody and provides strength
tannins
provide a brown pigment and have antimicrobial properties
Terpenoids
isoprene or repeating units of isoprene, fat soluble, highly volatile, make up essential oils
carotenoids, cardiac glycosides, taxol, and phytoecdysones
carotenoids
terpenoid pigments that produce red orange and yellow colors
cardiac glycosides
act as herbivore defense by overstimulating the heart after consumption
taxol
found in yew plants, used in chemotherapy drugs
phytoecdysones
provide defense for the plant by triggering premature molting in insect predators
alkaloids
characterized by the presence of nitrogen, water soluble, mostly defense toxins
cyanogenic glycosides and caffeine, morphine, heroin, and nicotine
cyanogenic glycosides
produce cyanides when ingested, produced in almonds, apple seeds, and cassava
caffeine
can inhibit growth of nearby plants and enhance pollinator memory of flowers
