Principles of Plant Biochemistry and Forest Management

Description

Forests are essential for human survival and well-being. They harbour two thirds of all terrestrial animal and plant species. They provide us with food, oxygen, shelter, recreation, and spiritual sustenance, and they are the source for over 5,000 commercially-traded products, ranging from pharmaceuticals to timber and clothing. The biodiversity of forests—the variety of genes, species, and forest ecosystems—underpins these goods and services, and is the basis for long-term forest health and stability. Biochemistry deals with the chemistry of life, and as such it draws on the techniques of analytical, organic, and physical chemistry, as well as those of physiologists concerned with the molecular basis of vital processes. All chemical changes within the organism-either the degradation of substances, generally to gain necessary energy, or the buildup of complex molecules necessary for life processes-are collectively termed metabolism. The origin of cells was the most important step in the evolutionary theory of life on Earth. This textbook “Principles of Plant Biochemistry and Forest Management” with a range of case studies and other materials to make forest sector more beneficial. The primary target audiences for the guide are government officers and decision makers in the various government agencies related to forestry. The material is also useful to corporate and NGO planners.