Plant chemistry

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Plants contain various chemical compounds. These can be things they take up from their surroundings, but most plant chemicals are produced by the plants themselves. These compounds have various purposes: some smell good, so insects are attracted, others protect the plant against UV light, regulate processes in the plant or protect it against animals or fungi.

 

Many of these compounds are biologically active. This could mean that they could be employed as nutrients, natural flavouring or colouring agent and it is even possible to find applications in the medical industry. The downside is that these compounds could be toxic and poisonous.