What is plant science?
Plant science, also known as botany, is the scientific study of the estimated 410,000 plant species found on land around the globe. Plant scientists (1)___________ the characteristics of plants, how they grow, and their relationship with the environment. Research in the subject (2)___________ everything from cell life to how a plant interacts with pests and diseases.
This is of interest for various reasons. For example, plants produce complex chemicals which have useful (3)___________ in medicine, but they can be extremely challenging to reproduce in a conventional laboratory. Extracting active ingredients directly from plants and using these instead of manufacturing synthetic versions may be a cost-effective and efficient way to create life-saving drugs.
A further example of why studying plants is of value is human (4)___________ on plants for food, which is affected by changes in the environment, including global warming. By understanding and preserving plant biodiversity, food sources can be protected, whilst at the same time helping to (5)___________ plant species that provide cover and sustenance for other creatures.