Alkaloids

Question 1

Alkaloid role in plants

Answer 1

keep away predators

Question 2

what is an alkaloid

Answer 2

naturally occurring organic compound containing basic nitrogen atoms

Question 3

define taxonomic classification

Answer 3

according to family

Question 4

Example of alkaloids + name and part of plant + pharmacological action

Answer 4

caffeine, from the leaves of tea plant. used as stimulant

Question 5

define what heterocyclic

Answer 5

when the cyclic structure of a compound is made with at least 2 different types of atom ie carbon and nitrogen

Question 6

define a proto alkaloid

Answer 6

non-heterocyclic ie only carbon cyclic structure ie mescaline

Question 7

difference between true and pseudo

Answer 7

true is derived from amino acid

Question 8

solubility in water

Answer 8

mostly insoluble

Question 9

example of true alkaloid

Answer 9

nicotine

Question 10

example of pseudo alkaloid

Answer 10

caffeine

Question 11

physical forms

Answer 11

crystallin, amorphous solids. volatile liquid; nicotine, non volatile

Question 12

colour

Answer 12

mostly colourless

Question 13

test of alkaloids

Answer 13

Mayers reagent, Wagers r, Hagers r, Dragendorffs

Question 14

what do the test tell you?

Answer 14

only if present or not present

Question 15

test for purity

Answer 15

murexidine

Question 16

tropane skeleton (weird looking 3D cyclic structure) pharmacological effects

Answer 16

Anticholinergic

stimulant