The Plant Is A Metabolic Machine

plant productivity depends on the production and use of assimilates. The production aspect is made possible through the chemical reactions of the plant process called photosynthesis. Photosynthesis consists of processes by which assimilates (carbohydrates and other substances) are synthesized or manufactured. The term anabolism is used to describe the synthesizing reactions that occur in the plant. The energy locked in down photosynthates into simpler compounds to release stored energy in the chemical bonds. The terms catabolism is used to describe the the destructive reactions in the plant’s physiology. The two sets of reactions, anabolism and catabolism, are collectively called metabolism. The plant is thus a metabolic machine. Respiration produces energy and reducing agents used by plants for constructing new material and for maintaining existing structure that result in growth and development.