GATE BT 2020 • Q16
MCQ • 1 Mark
Section 4: Bioprocess Engineering and Process Biotechnology
Mass transfer in bioprocesses (kLa)
Subtopic: Fundamentals of Mass transfer in bioprocesses (kLa)
Question Statement:
Vincristine and vinblastine, two commercially important secondary metabolites
from Catharanthus roseus, are examples of
Options:
-
(A) alkaloids.
-
(B) flavonoids.
-
(C) terpenoids.
-
(D) steroids.
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Concept Analysis (GATE BT 2020 Q.16)**
**1. Governing Concept**:
- **Topic**: Plant Biotechnology & Phytochemical Classes
- **Vincristine** and **vinblastine** are bisindole **alkaloids** isolated from the Madagascar periwinkle (*Catharanthus roseus*).
- Mechanistically, they bind to $\beta$-tubulin, preventing microtubule assembly and causing mitotic arrest in metaphase, making them potent commercial antineoplastic chemotherapeutic agents (used in leukemia and lymphoma).
**2. Option Analysis**:
- **Option (A) [alkaloids] is CORRECT**: Classic terpenoid indole alkaloids.
- **Option (B) [flavonoids] is INCORRECT**: Polyphenolic plant pigments (e.g., quercetin).
- **Option (C) [terpenoids] is INCORRECT**: Pure isoprenoid compounds (e.g., artemisinin, taxol).
- **Option (D) [steroids] is INCORRECT**: Four-ring cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compounds.
**3. Final Answer**:
- **Correct Choice**: **A**
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