Question

Which of the following secondary metabolites belong to the group drugs?
I. Morphine
II. Curcumin
III. Codeine
IV . Vinblastine
V. Abrin

• A. I and II only
• B. I and V only
• C. II and III only
• D. II and IV only
• E. III and IV only

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Secondary metabolites are derivatives of primary metabolites. These metabolites are generally found in plant, fungal and microbial cells. These are organic compounds which are not involved in primary metabolism and seem to have no direct function in growth and development of plants. Curcumin and vinblastin are drugs, morphine and codeine are alkaloids and abrin is toxin.