Xiuzhi Susan Sun

The protein, carbohydrate, and oil-based polymers mentioned in Chapter 1 are synthesized in plants through the utilization of sunlight for energy and carbon sources such as CO ₂ in the air. The plants utilization of global warming gases for molecular building blocks and sunlight as a free source of energy attests to the environmentally friendly nature of bio-based materials. Photosynthesis is an essential procedure for polymer formation. The unique properties of chlorophyll enable green plant cells to receive the radiant energy of sunlight. With the aid of ferredoxin, cytochromes, and other compounds in the stacks of membranes, the light reactions of photosynthesis produce nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and molecular oxygen. Photosynthesis produces two major compounds: fructose diphosphate and hexoses, which are essential for protein, lipid, and carbohydrate synthesis.

The goal of this chapter is to provide a general picture about how polymers form in plants and what major variables control the quality and growth of these polymers. This chapter is designed for scientists who undertake materials science and engineering with a focus on plant polymers for industrial uses. The information and data presented in this chapter are mainly from the books Biology [1], Biochemistry & Molecular Biology of Plants [2], and Molecular Biotechnology [3]. People who are interested in learning more about plant polymer formation and growth should read these or other related books.