One of the protective mechanisms of plants and animals from adverse conditions was the accumulation of reserve nutrients. A very effective mechanism in moments of insufficient intake of nutrients from outside.
Organic life on our planet has a carbon base, which predetermined the "chemistry" of the organic world.
"Chemistry" of plants
The process of evolution of these organisms has identified a number of vital types of substances, such as proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Each of them has a role to play.
Proteins (peptides, polypeptides) in plant cells form quite complex complexes, one of them is photosynthetic.
Along with this, it is the protein that is the carrier of information during cell division.
Fats, or triglycerides, are natural compounds of glycerol and monobasic fatty acids. The role of fats in plant cells is determined by the structural and energy function.
Carbohydrates (sugars, saccharides) contain carbonyl and hydroxyl groups. The main role of substances is energy. Allocate greatthe amount of various carbohydrates, both soluble and insoluble in water. In turn, the chemical characteristics of each carbohydrate determine its main role.
Starch is the main storage carbohydrate of plants
Insoluble carbohydrates play the role of the plant's energy reserve. Starch is the main storage material in plants. Due to its insolubility in water, it can remain in the cell without disturbing the osmotic and chemical balance.
If necessary, the reserve carbohydrate of plants - starch - is hydrolyzed to form soluble sugars (glucose) and water. The resulting compound is readily available and is broken down by the action of enzymes into carbon dioxide and water, releasing the necessary energy.
Reserve carbohydrate in plant cells
There are a number of other carbohydrates that act as energy storage. Inulin is a minor reserve substance - carbohydrate of plants. It moves through the plant cells in a soluble form.
The largest amount of this compound is found in plants such as dahlia, Jerusalem artichoke, garlic and elecampane. As a rule, the maximum amount is found in the tubers and roots of plants.
During the process of hydrolysis or fermentation, the auxiliary storage carbohydrate of plants completely breaks down into fructose. Part of sucrose, is a simple saccharide.
The main reserve carbohydrate inplants are starch. However, there are other carbohydrates besides inulin, which acts as an energy store. These include most of the sugar-like substances. For example, in the roots of beets, a disaccharide is deposited - sucrose (we know it as sugar). Most fruits and vegetables store plant carbohydrates in the form of sucrose and fructose. Sweet taste is a sign of the presence of these mono- or disaccharides.
Other plant energy stores
Hemicellulose can act as a reserve nutrient. It has a high similarity with fiber. It is insoluble in water. Under the action of weak acids, it breaks down into simple monosaccharides. It is deposited in the shells of grains of many cereals. The hardness of hemicellulose is very high, sometimes referred to as "vegetable ivory". It is used for making buttons and in pharmaceuticals. In the process of seed germination, it is hydrolyzed with the help of enzymes into soluble sugars and is used to feed the embryo.
The presence of spare carbohydrates is a condition for survival
The process of formation and interconversion of carbohydrates in plant cells is an integral part of the complex metabolic process inside the plant cell. Carbohydrates, which can act as an energy store, provide protection from adverse conditions.
In the process of germination, seeds and tubers provide the necessary nutrients during the initial phase of plant development.
The plant cell is a unique system. The number of working "mechanisms" in it is comparable to one million cars. This is a truly complex system, like a miniature plant. The genius and precision of nature in all its manifestations deserves great admiration.
