Plant Bio 3; Plant Medicinal Flashcards
(32 cards)
What do secondary metabolites in plants do?
Defend against herbivores, bacteria, fungi, insects etc, has a role in fertility, attractants and some secondary metabolites are phytonutrients, medicinals
What are primary metabolites?
Core compounds found in most organisms
What are secondary metabolites?
Often involved in defence or interactions with pollinators and often only a few species
What are nitrogen containing compounds?
Secondary metabolites
What are are types of secondary metabolites?
Alkaloids
Glucosinolates
What are alkaloids like?
Heterogenous group of compounds At least one nitrogen atom- most are basic Can be toxic to humans -ine (ending) -purine derivatives -amino acid derivatives
Examples of purine derivatives from alkaloids?
Caffeine
Theobromine
Theophylline
What are amino acid derivatives from alkaloids?
Tryptophane; nicotine
Histamine; pilocarpine, histamine
Tyrosine; opiates, morphine, codeine
What are four secondary metabolites with evidence of a protective function?
Isothiocyanates
Lypocene
Genistein
Epigallocatechin gallate
What is isothiocyanate?
From broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables that might detoxify carcinogens
What is lypocene?
A carotenoid abundant in tomatoes and has been shown to protect against several forms of cancer
What is genistein?
An isoflavonoid from sky beans may protect against cancer
What is epigallocatechin gallate?
From green tea that may help eliminate immortality from some cancer cells
Examples of glucosinolates?
Sulforaphane (broccoli) - anticancer properties
What is an example of a potent insecticide?
Nicotine
Describe alkaloids?
Organic nitrous bases
More than 10,000
Poisons, narcotics, stimulants and medicine
Source of 25% pharmaceuticals
Structures mean chemical synthesis can be difficult/expensive
Economically important
What is theobromine less potent than?
Caffeine
Describe opiates?
Derived from dried latex of poppy
Morphine and codeine- analgesics
Heroin- morphine derivatives
Complex structure means cultivation is the main source
What is morphine?
A powerful narcotic analgesic alkaloid derived from poppy
Examples of opiates?
Codeine
Noscapine
Thebaine
Morphine
What are the therapeutic uses for opiates?
Pain reliever
Anergesic
What is morphine like?
Effective but addictive
Where are poppies cultivated?
Middle East
Thailand
South America and Mexico
What would make a safer poppy?
Allowing it to make morphine and codeine but not heroin
