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6 Vegan and Vegetarian Ideas for Your Next Summer Barbecue

Summer is in full swing, and that means it's time to fire up the grill and indulge in the deliciousness of a barbecue. If you're a vegan or vegetarian, you don't have to miss out on the flavors and fun. In fact, plant-based options can be the star of the show! Whether you're hosting a barbecue or attending one as a guest, here are six fantastic vegan and vegetarian ideas to elevate your summer grilling game. 1. Grilled Veggie Skewers: Skewers are a classic barbecue favorite, and they're incredibly versatile for plant-based options. Load up skewers with a colorful medley of veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, onions, and mushrooms. Brush them with a marinade of your choice, grill to perfection, and enjoy the charred and smoky goodness. 2. Plant-based Burgers: The rise of plant-based burgers has revolutionized the vegetarian and vegan barbecue scene. Choose from a wide variety of pre-made veggie burgers or unleash your culinary creativity and make ...

PLANT SECONDARY METABOLITES

Plant secondary metabolites are those compounds which are not directly involved in the growth and development of plants. Some of these metabolites help to prevent some plants from being consumed. Some may be poisonous to human but may have other importance. These metabolites can be in the leaves, stem and root of a plant, and prevent the growth of some organisms that infect the plant. They are divided into three based on their biosynthesis. They include;
 1) Flavonoids 
2) Terpenes
3) Alkaloids



 Flavonoids                                                                                                                                 Flavonoids are phenolic water soluble compounds with variable colors. They can be crimson, purple or yellow and remain present in vacuoles and chloroplasts. The basic skeleton of flavonoids consists of two aromatic rings A and B, joined by a 3 carbon residue. They are commonly found in higher plants. Examples of flavonoid include Anthocyanidins, Catechin, Leukocyanidin, and Sulpahuretin.

                                                  
                                            Functions of flavonoids

1)      Flavonoids attract insects and animals and help in pollination.

2)      They help in the dispersal of fruits.

3)      They repel invading pathogenic organisms.

4)      They provide every color of spectrum except green to the plant parts and flowers.

5)      They have pleasant smells and can be used in the production of perfumes.

               

Terpenes                                                                                                                                              Terpenes are lipids synthesized from acetyl-CoA through marvelonic acid pathway. They are large and diverse class of organic compounds produced by a variety of plants, particularly conifers. They are often strong smelling and thus protect the plant that produce their structures contain a basic 5-carbon unit, isopentane unit. Examples are Geraniol, Farnesiol, squalene, carotenoids, and abscisic acid.

                                          
                                         Functions of terpenes

1)      They have penetrating odor which helps in attracting and repelling insects during pollination.

2)      They help in the regulation of seed dormancy and leaf abscission.

3)      Carotenoids are accessory pigments and help in light reaction of photosynthesis.

4)      They show antifungal action against pathogens.

5)       Carotenoids acts as photoreceptors for response during phototropism                                                                        


Alkaloids                                                                                                                                            
Alkaloids are nitrogen containing compounds.  They are alkaline in nature and can be synthesized from amino acids such as aspartic acid, lysine, and tyrosine. Examples of alkaloids are cocaine, atropine, codeine, morphine, and hyoscyamine.


                  Functions of alkaloids

                 1)      They are used in the production of drugs.
                 2)      They act as growth regulators.
                 3)      They help in maintaining ionic balance. 
                 4)      They are used as stimulants.



                 

          

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