Student Center | Instructor Center | Information Center | Home
Plants and Society, 3/e
Student Center
Glossary
Plant Tissues
Botany Issues Map
Botany Careers
Scientific Names
Biological Controls
Useful Plants
Houseplants
Metric Conversions
PowerWeb

Chapter Outline
Chapter Concepts
Chapter Summary
Web Links
Quiz
Concept Quizzes

Feedback
Help Center



Herbs and Spices

Concept Quizzes



1

Most ancient societies used herbs and spices for medicinal and culinary purposes.

Speculate how a primitive culture would learn about these properties in plants.
2

The presence of capsaicin in the seeds and placental region of the fruit is responsible for the sharp biting flavor of chili peppers.

What would be the value for the plant of synthesizing capsaicin or a similar compound?
3

Many essential oils have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

How would you investigate whether a plant extract can be used as an antiseptic?