CellQuest and Plants Health Science

Compounds comprising plants in general are described as phytochemicals. Those that are essential to all cell life are commonly described as Primary Metabolites. They include carbohydrates, essential amino acids, and derived polymers. More specifically they embrace such categories as lipids, polysaccharides, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Secondary Metabolites

Secondary metabolites are diverse phytochemical compounds which do not participate directly in plant growth and development. Their functions have not yet been fully determined, although they appear to function in a defensive role, protecting plants from attack by microbes, fungi and parasites. They may function as compounds on demand where their metabolism is in response to defensive needs.

Their potential roles in health care include antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, and antioxidant activities. However, conclusive studies have not yet established ratification of such activities and more testing and research is still needed. It has been hypothesized that the defensive roles effected by secondary metabolites in the defense systems of plants may be translated into human health benefits.

Compounds of interest to CellQuest researchers from both primary and secondary categories include polysaccharides, lipids, polypeptides, phenols, terpenoids, sterols, and sterolins.

Micronutrients

Micronutrients are required by plants only in small amounts. They enhance the plant's ability to absorb essential macronutrients. Vitamins and minerals are also needed for human health and survival. The most important aspect of providing micronutrients is the emphasis on balance. There is a finite range between the extremes of deficiency and toxicity. Often referred to as “trace elements”, they include iron, chlorine, copper, manganese, zinc, cobalt, boron, molybdenum, and selenium.