Photosynthesis and Root Exudates

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definition of photosynthesis, the role of glucose in building plant constituents, and the function of root exudates in soil health.

Photosynthesis

The multi-step process by which plants make glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide, water and sunlight.

Glucose

A basic building block used by plants to form constituents such as complex sugars, carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins, fats, oils, hormones, vitamins, defence compounds, protective compounds, and root exudates.

Root exudates

Up to $30-50\%$ of the carbon turned into glucose by photosynthesis that is released from the roots into the soil to feed soil biology.

Soil biology

The living processes in the soil that are fed and driven by root exudates released from plants.

Beneficial soil microbes

Microorganisms that receive signals through root exudates regarding a plant's needs and respond to support the plant.