AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -<br> 7) When branches of trees are cut a sticky substance called gum is secreted. The gum swells by absorbing water and helps in the healing of damaged parts of a plant. e.g. : Neem, Acacia.

Detailed explanation-2: -Gums are economically valuable and used as adhesives and binding agents in the preparation of the medicines, food, etc. <br> 6) Latex: Latex is a sticky, milky white substance secreted by plants. Latex is stored in latex cells or latex vessels. From the latex of Hevea braziliensis (Rubber plant) rubber is prepared.

Detailed explanation-3: -Resins are a mixture of organic compounds mainly composed of terpenes. Gums are made of polysaccharides and their derivatives. They are soluble in various organic liquids but not in water. They are water-soluble or rather absorb water well.

Detailed explanation-4: -When there is some injury to the inner regions of the stem, in response to this injury, the produced gums and resins are released out of the plant. Since they are produced in inner regions and exuded out in response to injury, these are generally considered as waste products.

Detailed explanation-5: -Natural gums are long chains of sugars (polysaccharides) within native plant materials that are either water-soluble or capable of absorbing water. Gels are formed when these polysaccharides are mixed with water. Gums are only partially digested by humans and typically have few adverse side effects.