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Clinical pharmacy PharmD program Third level Phytochemistry-1 (PG-504)

Photosynthesis of Carbohydrate

Photosynthesis is an endergonic process that involves the absorption of

carbon dioxide, water and light energy from the sun, in the presence of chlorophyll

pigment to form carbohydrates by plants while oxygen is released as a waste

product.

Pharmaceutical and biological importance of carbohydrate:

▪ Source as well as stores of energy for plants and animals, e.g. Starch and

glycogen.

▪ As supporting tissue, e.g. Chitin in insects and cellulose in plants.

▪ Immediate energy source in the form of (glucose)

▪ Essential components of nucleic acids (2-deoxy-D-ribose).

▪ Basis of several industries including sugar, sugar products, starch products,

paper, textile, food processing and some pharmaceutical industries.

▪ Use as stabilizers thickeners and emulsifiers.

▪ As plasma expander, e.g. Dextran.

▪ Diluents for tablets, e.g. lactose, starch and dextrin.

▪ Coating of tablets, e.g. liquid glucose.

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