BAG1009 Fundamentals of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology

Importance of Biochemistry
• Biochemistry – a branch of science which deals with chemical basis of
life in plants and animals.

• The term “biochemistry” was introduced by a German chemist,

“Carl Neuberg” in 1903.

• Biochemistry in general deals with body substance like enzymes,

hormones, carbohydrates, amino acids, fats, proteins, DNA, RNA, and
pigments etc.

• Concerned about the internal chemistry of biological systems of plants and

animals.
Plant biochemistry examines the chemical reactions in plant life
at cellular level.
• Photosynthesis
• Respiration
• Source sink relationship (Leaves to seeds/roots)
• Agricultural products such as carbohydrates, proteins and fat in
cereals, pulses, cattle feed..etc.
• Plant pest resistance (Defense proteins)
• Production of secondary metabolites (e.g Flavanoids and phenolic
compounds)
• Breed improved cultivars for the future need of human population.
 Importance of biochemistry in Agriculture
• Study the structure and function of biomolecules
• Study the function of:

Primary metabolic pathways

• Primary metabolites involved directly in growth and metabolism.

• The group of pathways synthesizing simpler but essential molecules for normal
physiological growth and energy requirements of plants is called primary metabolism and
the products are called primary metabolites.

• Primary metabolites such as carbohydrates, organic and amino acids, vitamins,

hormones, flavonoids, phenolics, and glucosinolates are essential for plant growth,
development, stress adaptation, and defense.

• Besides the importance for the plant itself, such metabolites determine the nutritional
quality of food, colour, taste, smell, antioxidative, anticarcinogenic, antihypertension,
anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunostimulating, and cholesterol-lowering
properties.
Secondary metabolic pathways
• Secondary metabolites are considered as end products of primary metabolism and not
involved in metabolic activity.
• (e.g) Phenolics (made from simple sugars); Terpenes ; Steroids; Flavonoids
 Importance of biochemistry in agriculture

• Solutions to agricultural
problems
- Improving the nutritive value
of cereals, pulses.,etc
- (e.g) protein content in
lentil (24%)

- Reducing anti-nutritional
compounds in seeds
- (e.g) ODAP content in grass
pea (less than 0.2%)
Importance of biochemistry in agriculture
• Stresses
• Biotic
• Abiotic
• Stress resistance mechanisms
• Avoidance
• Tolerance
• Acclimatization
Importance of biochemistry in agriculture
Importance of biochemistry in agriculture
Importance of biochemistry in agriculture
 Importance of biochemistry in agriculture

• Aflatoxins: They are toxic metabolic substances produced by certain

toxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus fungi growing in
various food and feed commodities.

• Food preservation
• Antimicrobial: inhibit the growth of bacteria or fungi
• Calcium propionate, Sodium nitrate, Sodium nitrite and EDTA.
• Antioxidants: Oxygen absorbers which inhibit the oxidation of food
constituents.
• Butylated hydroxyanisole
• Sugaring
• Preservative /Plasmolysis (e.g: Jam and Jelly)
• Pickling
• Preservative/edible antimicrobial liquid (brine, vinegar, alcohol and vegetable oil) (e.g:
cucumbers, peppers, Lemon, Mango)
 Importance of biochemistry in agriculture
Post harvest technology:
Thank You