B.8 - Carcinogenic and cytotoxic plants and species affect abnormal blood clotting (mechanism of action, effects, symptoms)

Question 1

How does Aristolochic Acid affect the body?

Answer 1

1. The acid creates Arisolactam nitrenium ion
2. This binds to amino groups of DNA
3. Single nucleotide polymorphisms
4. Cancerous mutations

Question 2

What are the symptoms of Aristolochic Acid?

Answer 2

• Renal tubule necrosis
• Atrophy of the spleen
• Ulceration of the forestomach

Question 3

How does Ptaquiloside affect the body?

Answer 3

1. Reacts with purine bases on DNA
2. Body depurinates the product
3. Deoxy-ribose phosphate backbone is cleaved

Question 4

What are the symptoms of Ptaquiloside?

Answer 4

• Bone Marrow Damage
• Blood clotting disorders
• Gall Bladder tumours

Question 5

How does Colchicine, Vincamine and Vincristine affect the body?

Answer 5

1. Binds to tubulins
2. Tubulin dimer polymerisation is prevented
3. Mitosis is inhibited
4. Causes death

Question 6

Give examples of toxalbumins

Answer 6

• Ricin
• Fazin
• Abrin

Question 7

How do Toxalbumins affect the body?

Answer 7

1. Toxalbumins enter the cell
2. Ribosomes are disabled
3. Protein synthesis is disabled
4. All organ systems disabled

Question 8

What are the symptoms of Toxalbumins?

Answer 8

• Vomiting
• Depression
• Anorexia
• Jaundice

Question 9

How do glucosinolates affect the body?

Answer 9

Catabolised to Carcinogenic nitriles

Question 10

How do Coumarins affect the body?

Answer 10

1. Coumarines are metabolised to dicoumarol
2. This inhibits Vitamin K reductase enzyme
3. Reduced Vitamin K is required for blood clotting