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The Contents of the Cell —Exudates and Extracts |
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In this section we’ll explore products and materials extracted from the contents of
living cells. The function of these materials, called exudates or extracts, varies, and in
some cases can only be speculated upon. Some likely function in wound healing or
protection from predators or climate; others may simply be waste products that are exuded
from the protoplasm.A surprising number of common
substances are extracted from the living contents of plant cells. In general, the quantity
of these extracts is small compared to the volume of the overall plant body, and this
relative scarcity has made many types very valuable. Essential oils, spices, dyes, and
resins have been traded for centuries, and wars have been fought over land on which
certain valuable plants were found. Let’s look at a few examples, some of which were
important historically, some of which continue to be used today.
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