One of the protective mechanisms of plants and animals from adverse conditions was the accumulation of reserve nutrients. A very effective mechanism in times of insufficient intake of nutrients from the outside.
Organic life on our planet has a carbon base, which predetermined the "chemistry" of the organic world.
"Chemistry" of plants
The 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, protein is the carrier of information in 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. A large number of different carbohydrates are isolated, both soluble and insoluble in water. In turn, the chemical characteristics of each carbohydrate determine its main role.
Starch - the main reserve carbohydrate plants
Insoluble carbohydrates play the role of the plant's energy reserve. The main reserve substance - plant carbohydrate - is starch. Due to its insolubility in water, it can persist in the cell without disturbing the osmotic and chemical balance.
If necessary, the plant’s storage carbohydrate - starch - is hydrolyzed to form soluble sugars (glucose) and water. The resulting compound is readily available and is cleaved by the action of enzymes on carbon dioxide and water, releasing the necessary energy.
Spare carbohydrate in plant cells
There are a number of other carbohydrates that act as energy storage. The non-essential reserve substance - plant carbohydrate - is inulin. It moves through the cells of the plant in a soluble form.
The largest amount of this compound was found in plants such as dahlia, Jerusalem artichoke, garlic and elecampane. As a rule, the maximum amount is found in tubers and plant roots.
In the process of hydrolysis or fermentation, the auxiliary plant carbohydrate decomposes completely into fructose. Included in sucrose, is a simple saccharide.
The main storage carbohydrate in plants is starch. However, there are other carbohydrates besides inulin, which acts as a storehouse of energy. These include most sugar-like substances. For example, disaccharide - sucrose (known as sugar) is deposited in the roots of beets. In most fruits and vegetables, the stored plant carbohydrate is deposited in the form of sucrose and fructose. Sweet taste is a sign of the presence of mono- or disaccharide data.
Other plant energy storage
Hemicellulose may act as a reserve nutrient. It has a high affinity for fiber. It is insoluble in water. Under the action of weak acids, it splits into simple monosaccharides. It is deposited in the shells of many cereal grains. The hardness of hemicellulose is very high, sometimes it is called "plant ivory." Used for the manufacture of buttons and in the pharmaceutical industry. In the process of seed germination, it is hydrolyzed by enzymes into soluble sugars and is spent on the nutrition of the embryo.
Presence of carbohydrate storage is a condition of survival
The process of formation and interconversion of carbohydrates in plant cells is an integral part of the complex process of metabolism inside a plant cell. Carbohydrates that can play the role of energy storage provide protection against adverse conditions.
In the process of germination of seeds and tubers provide the necessary nutrients during the initial phase of plant development.
A plant cell is a unique system. The number of working "mechanisms" in it is comparable to one million cars. This is a truly sophisticated system, similar to a whole plant in miniature. The genius and accuracy of nature in all its manifestations deserves great admiration.