What is resin?
Q: What is resin?
A: Resin is a mixture of organic compounds secreted by many plants, especially coniferous trees. It contains chemicals composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur.
Q: What are the protective benefits of resin for plants?
A: Resin protects the plant from insects and pathogens, and confounds a wide range of herbivores, insects, and pathogens. The volatile phenolic compounds may also attract benefactors such as parasitoids or predators which attack the herbivores that attack the plant.
Q: How do humans use resins?
A: Humans value resins for their many uses including varnishes, adhesives, raw materials for organic synthesis, incense and perfume. Synthetic resins are used in laminates, adhesives, flooring and linings.
Q: What is amber made from?
A: Amber is made from fossilized resins.
Q: Is resin good to eat?
A: No, resin is not good to eat as it evolved as a defence against herbivores.
