Category: P

An index of fatness, used as a measure of obesity: the cube root of body weight divided by height. Confusingly, the ponderal index is higher for thin people, and lower for fat people. An expression of leanness: height (inches) divided by the cube root of weight in pounds. The ratio of an individual’s height to…

Long-chain fatty acids containing two or more double bonds, separated by methylene bridges: —CH2—CH = CH—CH2—CH – CH—CH2—. Unsaturated fatty acids, possessing more than one double bond, that impart a variety of health benefits to humans that consume them. For example, the “omega-3” (n-3) PUFAs possess antithrombotic effects and also reduce blood concentrations of triglycerides.…

Complex carbohydrates formed by the condensation of large numbers of monosaccharide units, e.g. starch, glycogen, cellulose, dextrins, inulin. On hydrolysis the simple sugar is liberated. Carbohydrate compounds like starch, cellulose, and pectic substances. Carbohydrate form that yields more than two simple sugars upon breakdown, found in cereal grains, roots, bulbs, and tubers. The principle ones…

Sugar alcohols.  

Prefix for units of measurement, one million- millionth part (i.e. 10-12); symbol p.  

Vitamin K.  

Any poisonous substance produced by a plant. Any poisonous substance (toxin) produced by a plant, such as any of the toxins produced by fungi of the genus Amanita.  

A lectin and mitogen. Capable of promoting a rapid proliferation of immune cells.  

Substances, often harmful to human beings, which increase in plant tissues when they are stressed, as by physical damage, exposure to ultraviolet light, etc. An antimicrobial compound produced in a plant in response to fungal infection. Certain compounds that impede the proliferation of particular microorganisms and are synthesized within higher flora due to various stimuli…