Plants as Chemical Factories Flashcards
T/F
Active ingredients are usually secondary metabolites
True
What do laticifers secrete? A) Milk B) Lactose C) Latex D) Sap
C
Articulated laticifers are:
A series of secretory cells joined together
Non-articulated laticifers are:
One long secretory cell
What is the purpose of laticifers in Cuscuta flowers?
Defence against insects
T/F
Resin and gum ducts are only present in the leaves of a plant
False - they’re present in every tissue
What purpose do gum ducts serve?
Antimicrobial/antifungal & healing aid
T/F
Resin ducts are more common in gymnosperms
True - gum ducts are more common in dicots
How does cannabis secrete compounds?
From glandular hairs
T/F
Stinging nettles secrete irritants from stinging hairs
True
Define allelopathy
Herbicides made by plants to protect them against other plants
How many alkaloids are used by plants?
5000
Which of the following characteristics apply to alkaloids? A) Contain Nitrogen B) Sweet tasting C) Acidic D) Anti-herbivory E) Negative impact on nervous systems
A, D, E
B&C are opposite
Which of the following is NOT an alkaloid? A) Nicotine B) Morphine C) Quinine D) Ephedrine E) Caffeine F) None of the above G) All of the above
F
T/F
Alkaloids have a strong smell
False - they are odourless
T/F
Glycosides have a sugar molecule attached to the active component
True
T/F
Very few glycosides are considered toxic
False - most are b/c anti-herbivory
Characteristics of cyanogenic glycosides:
Release cyanide (HCN)
Characteristics of cardiac glycosides:
Steroidal nucleus
Characteristics of saponins:
Steroidal nucleus, froth with water
T/F
All glycosides can be used medicinally
False - cyanogenic cannot
Which of the following will cardiac glycosides act upon/work as? A) Heart muscle B) Expectorant C) Antipyretic D) Anti-inflammatory E) Analgesic F) RBC hemolysis
A
Which of the following will sapinins act upon/work as? A) Heart muscle B) Expectorant C) Antipyretic D) Anti-inflammatory E) Analgesic F) RBC hemolysis
B, D, F
Which of the following will alcoholic glycosides act upon/work as? A) Heart muscle B) Expectorant C) Antipyretic D) Anti-inflammatory E) Analgesic F) RBC hemolysis
C, D, E
T/F
Tannins are polyphenolic
True
Which is INCORRECT about Tannins?
A) Astringent
B) Sweet
C) Bind/precipitate proteins
B
What function do tannins & resins have in plants? A) Wound healing B) Antimicrobial C) Attract pollinators D) All of the above E) A&B
E
T/F
Tannins are only present in the leaves of the plant
False - they’re in many organs including the bark & wood
T/F
Resins are lipids
False - they’re carbohydrates
How are resins secreted?
Through canals/ducts
What function do tannins & resins have for people? A) Anti-inflammatory B) Irritant C) Antioxidant D) All of the above E) A & C
E
Essential oils are NOT: A) Hydrophobic B) Volatile C) Odourless D) Antimicrobial
C
