Plants and Phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens - We’ve learned in a previous unit that plants adapt in ways that enable them to protect themselves. An example of this is with plants closing or opening their stomata depending on the amount of water available for the plant to protect from dehydration. On pages 78-79, Dr. Moalem describes a way in which plants like clover, sweet potato, and soy protect themselves from predators.This group of plants contain a class of chemicals called phytoestrogens. When an animal eats too much of a plant with phytoestrogens, the large quantity of estrogenlike compounds wreaks havoc on the animal's reproductive capability. Not only animals, but humans are affected as well if too much plants that have phytoestrogens are consumed. This relates to BIG IDEA 1 (process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life) since plants, through time, have evolved to possess different methods of protection.

First describe a difference between the phytoestrogens of clover, sweet potato, and soy. Then describe the process in which phytoestrogens lead to infertility. Describe organs and organ systems in the body that are affected on a molecular level.

Finally, Dr, Moalem describes that phytoestrogens have potential long-term effects. Describe at least two possible solutions for combating the effect of phytoestrogens. 

Faith Teodoro (fteodor4@students.d125.org)