Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. They are essential for the growth and development of all living organisms, including plants. In plants, amino acids play crucial roles in various biological processes and have diverse functions.
- Protein Synthesis: Amino acids are assembled into chains to form proteins through a process called protein synthesis. Plants require proteins for structural support, enzymatic reactions, transport of molecules, signalling, and defence mechanisms.
- Nitrogen Metabolism: Amino acids are involved in nitrogen metabolism in plants. Nitrogen is a vital nutrient required for plant growth, and amino acids serve as a means of storing, transporting, and utilising nitrogen. Plants can uptake nitrogen from the soil in the form of nitrate or ammonium ions and convert it into amino acids through processes such as nitrate reduction and nitrogen fixation.
- Stress Responses: Amino acids in plants are involved in stress responses. When plants are subjected to various environmental stresses such as drought, high temperatures, or pathogen attack, they often undergo changes in amino acid metabolism. Certain amino acids act as signalling molecules and are involved in the regulation of stress-related genes, antioxidant defences, and osmotic regulation.
- Hormone Biosynthesis: Some amino acids serve as precursors for the biosynthesis of plant hormones. For example, tryptophan is a precursor for auxin, a hormone involved in plant growth and development. Methionine is involved in the biosynthesis of ethylene, a hormone that regulates fruit ripening and senescence.
- Defence Mechanisms: Amino acids contribute to plant defence mechanisms against pathogens and herbivores. Some amino acids act as defence compounds themselves, possessing antimicrobial or insecticidal properties. They can also be precursors for the synthesis of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, phenolics, and glucosinolates, which play roles in plant defence.
In Cannabis this is done by improving the uptake of Calcium. Calcium ions react with Pectic Acid to form Calcium Pectate, this helps to keep the cell walls rigid and turgid.
For example; Mould Spores attach a germination tube to get to the water in the interstitial space. If we have more Calcium rather than water in the interstitial space, we have pectin. This means the tube will die before if can reach any water source.While calcium is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development, its direct involvement in defence mechanisms, particularly in relation to the synthesis of pectin and its effects on mould spores, may not be widely documented or supported by scientific research specifically in the context of cannabis plants.It’s important to note that plant defence mechanisms are complex and involve multiple factors, including various signalling molecules, hormones, enzymes, and secondary metabolites. While calcium may have indirect effects on plant defence through its involvement in cell wall integrity and signalling pathways, further investigation and research would be needed to establish a direct link between calcium, pectin synthesis, and defence against mould spores in cannabis or other plant species.
- Seed Development: Amino acids are crucial for seed development in plants. They are involved in the accumulation of storage proteins, which provide nutrients for the developing embryo during seed germination. Amino acids also participate in the regulation of seed dormancy and germination processes.
Plants can acquire amino acids through various sources, including uptake from the soil, de novo synthesis within plant cells, and breakdown of proteins. They have intricate metabolic pathways for amino acid biosynthesis, inter-conversion, and utilisation to fulfil their specific requirements for growth, development, and response to environmental cues
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Grow Stronger Plants with the Building Blocks of Proteins