Phytochemistry

Name:
Phytochemistry
Detailed information:
That branch of chemistry dealing with (1) plant growth and metabolism and (2) plant products. The former includes the absorption of inorganic nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, carbon dioxide, water, etc.) to form sugars, starches, proteins, fats, vitamins, etc. and is closely associated with photosynthesis. Plant products comprise a vast group of natural materials and chemicals; besides those used directly as foods, these include alkaloids, cellulose, lignin, dyes, glucosides, essential oils, resins, gums, tannins, rubbers, terpene hydrocarbons, and glycerides (fats and oils). Some of these are basic raw materials for industry (paper, pharmaceuticals, food, paint, perfume, flavoring, leather, rubber); there are also many miscible plant products such as drugs, poisons, and pigments. Phytochemistry also embraces the study of plant hormones or growth regulators (auxin, gibberellin, synthetic types).