GATE BT 2024 • Q45
MSQ • 2 Marks
Section 2: General Biotechnology
Biomolecules, enzyme kinetics
Subtopic: Fundamentals of Biomolecules, enzyme kinetics
Question Statement:
Which of the following plant-based secondary metabolites belong(s) to the class
of alkaloids?
Options:
-
(A) Ajmalicine (C21H24N2O3)
-
(B) Azadirachtin (C35H44O16)
-
(C) Camptothecin (C20H16N2O4)
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(D) Vinblastine (C46H58N4O9)
Official Answer Key:
A;C;D
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Concept Analysis (GATE BT 2024 Q.45)**
**1. Governing Concept**:
- **Topic**: Plant Biotechnology & Secondary Metabolite Classes
- Plant secondary metabolites are classified into major chemical groups:
1. **Alkaloids**: Nitrogen-containing heterocyclic basic compounds (e.g., Morphine, Quinine, Nicotine, Vinblastine, Vincristine, Atropine, Caffeine).
2. **Terpenoids (Isoprenoids)**: Polymers of 5-carbon isoprene units (e.g., Menthol, Artemisinin, Taxol, Carotenoids).
3. **Phenolics / Phenylpropanoids**: Aromatic ring with hydroxyl groups (e.g., Flavonoids, Tannins, Lignins).
**2. Option Analysis**:
- **Option (A) [Morphine] is CORRECT**: An isoquinoline alkaloid derived from tyrosine in *Papaver somniferum*.
- **Option (B) [Artemisinin] is INCORRECT**: A sesquiterpene lactone (terpenoid) containing an endoperoxide bridge, not an alkaloid.
- **Option (C) [Quinine] is CORRECT**: A quinoline alkaloid isolated from the bark of *Cinchona* trees.
- **Option (D) [Vinblastine] is CORRECT**: A bisindole alkaloid produced by *Catharanthus roseus* (Madagascar periwinkle).
**3. Final Answer**:
- **Correct Options**: **A, C, D**
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