2k22-PD CP(crop Physiology) notes made by AbdulRehman Nizamani

**Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Simplified**

**1. Lipids: The Multitasking Superheroes**
Introduction to the Function of Lipids
Lipids are like the body's backstage crew. They work tirelessly behind the
scenes, performing various roles:

● Energy Storage: Triglycerides (fats) stash away energy for rainy days.

● Cell Membrane Builders: Phospholipids construct cell membranes,

guarding the cell's secrets.

● Insulation Experts: Fats keep us warm, like cozy blankets.

● Hormone Producers: Steroids (yes, like cholesterol) create hormones.

● Organ Protectors: Lipids cushion our delicate organs. 🌟

Important Uses of Lipids
Lipids wear many hats:

● Hormone Regulators: They're the whisperers behind hormonal

balance.

● Nerve Signal Conductors: Lipids help messages zip through nerves.

● Energy Bankers: Triglycerides save energy for later.

● Organ Bodyguards: Fats shield our precious organs.

● Cell Architects: Phospholipids build cell walls. 🦸‍♀️

Properties of Lipids
Lipids have their quirks:

● Water Shy: They avoid water like cats avoid baths.

● Invisible and Tasteless: Pure fats and oils are like friendly ghosts.

● Solid vs. Liquid: Fats are solid (think butter), oils are liquid (like olive
oil).

● No Ionic Charges: Lipids don't play the charge game.

● Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic: Phospholipids are both shy and

outgoing. 🌊
**2. Isomers: Chemistry's Twins**
Types of Isomerism
● Structural Isomerism (Constitutional Isomerism):

○ Chain Isomerism: Carbon chains with different twists.

○ Position Isomerism: Functional groups switch places.

○ Functional Isomerism: Same formula, different functions.

○ Metamerism: Alkyl chain variations around a group.

○ Tautomerism: Protons and electrons do the tango.

● Stereoisomerism:

○ Enantiomers: Mirror-image molecules (like left and right shoes).

○ Diastereomers: Non-mirror-image twins.

○ Isomers: The chemistry world's identical cousins! 👯‍♂️

**3. Carbohydrates: The Friendly Fuel Providers**
Introduction and Function of Carbohydrates
Carbs are the life of the party:

● Sugars, Starches, and Fibers: That's carbs!

● Energy Source: Carbs fuel our daily dance moves.

● Cell Structure Builders: Carbs create cell walls (think plant cellulose).

● Storage Managers: Glycogen stores energy in our muscles.

● Carbs: The ultimate party starters! 🎉

Importance of Carbohydrates in Human Nutrition
● Energy Boost: Carbs keep us grooving.

● Brain's BFF: Our brains adore glucose (a carb).

● Digestive Heroes: Fiber (also a carb) keeps things moving.

● Balanced Diet: Carbs, proteins, and fats—our nutrition dream team.

● Carbs: The dance partners of health! 💃

Impact of Carbohydrate Intake on Health
● Too Much: Extra carbs lead to love handles and sugar spikes.

● Too Little: Low carbs make us sluggish.

 ● Balance: Choose whole grains, fruits, and veggies.

● Carbs: The Goldilocks of nutrition—just right! 🌟

Classification of Carbohydrates
● Monosaccharides: Simple sugars (glucose, fructose).

● Disaccharides: Sugar duos (sucrose, lactose).

● Polysaccharides: Complex carbs (starch, cellulose).

● Carbs come in all shapes and sizes! 🍰

Polysaccharides:
 These are large carbohydrates made up of many sugar units. They serve as energy
storage or structural components in living organisms.
 Examples:
▪ Starch: Found in plants, it's like their energy savings account.
▪ Cellulose: Forms plant cell walls, giving them strength.
▪ Chitin: Makes up insect exoskeletons and fungal cell walls.

Starch:
 Think of it as a plant's energy pantry. It's made of glucose units and stored in grains (like
rice) and tubers (like potatoes).

Cellulose:
 Imagine it as plant scaffolding. It's the most abundant organic polymer on Earth.
 Found in cell walls, providing structure to plants and algae.
 Also used to make paper and textiles.

Chitin:
 Picture it as armor for insects and crustaceans (like crabs).
 Made of N-acetylglucosamine units.
 Used in surgical thread and even some biodegradable plastics.

Complex Carbohydrates:
 These are like slow-release energy sources.
 Made of long chains of sugars.
 Found in whole grains, legumes, and veggies.

Chemical Structure of Carbohydrates:

 Carbs are made of sugar molecules (like glucose).
 They can be simple (one or two sugars) or complex (many sugars linked together).

Epimers:
 These are sugar molecules that differ in the arrangement of just one carbon atom.
 Think of them as sugar cousins with a slight twist.

Isomers:
 Isomers are molecules with the same chemical formula but different structures.
 Like rearranging the furniture in a room without adding or removing anything.
Measurement of Electrical Conductivity:
 This helps us understand how well a substance conducts electricity.
 In plants, it relates to nutrient availability and overall health.

pH Readings of Plant Soil Water:

 pH measures acidity or alkalinity.
 Plants thrive in specific pH ranges.
 Too acidic or too alkaline soil affects nutrient uptake.

Introduction and Importance of Biochemistry in Biology:

 Biochemistry is like the backstage pass to understanding life.
 It explores how molecules (like carbs) drive biological processes.
 Essential for unraveling the mysteries of living organisms. 🌿🔬

Videos to watch to get better understanding of these topics

Lipids:
 Video Link: Watch the video on lipids
 Topic: Lipids play a crucial role in our health. They include fats, oils, and other related
compounds. 🥑🍳

Isomers:
 Video Link: Learn about isomers
 Topic: Isomers are molecules with the same molecular formula but different structural
arrangements. 🔍🔬

Stereoisomerism:
 Video Link: Explore stereoisomerism
 Topic: Stereoisomers have the same connectivity of atoms but differ in spatial
arrangement. 🌟🧪

Carbohydrates:
 Video Link: Understand carbohydrates
 Topic: Carbohydrates are essential for energy and include sugars, starches, and fibers.
🍞🌽

Simplification of Carbohydrate Intake on Health:

 Video Link: Learn about simplifying carbohydrate intake
 Topic: Balancing carbohydrate consumption impacts overall health. 🍎💡

Classification of Carbohydrates:
 Video Link: Discover carbohydrate classification
 Topic: Carbs can be categorized as simple (sugars) or complex (starches). 📊🍬

Complex Carbohydrates:
 Video Links:
▪ Watch video 1
 ▪ Watch video 2
 Topic: Complex carbs provide sustained energy and include whole grains, legumes, and
vegetables. 🌾🥦

Chemical Structure of Carbohydrates:

 Video Link: Explore carbohydrate structures
 Topic: Carbohydrates have unique molecular arrangements. 🧪🔗

Measurement of Electrical Conductivity:

 Video Link: Learn about electrical conductivity
 Topic: Electrical conductivity is essential for various applications. ⚡🔌