Week 1

Question 1

Define a secondary metabolite, what are it’s functions?

Answer 1

secondary metabolites are compounds that are not directly involved in the growth, reproduction or photosynthesis of plants.
functions as: defense, attraction of pollinators and protection (UV)

Question 2

what is a simple phenolic compound?

Answer 2

benzene ring with -OH group

Question 3

what is the composition of a tannin?

Answer 3

astringents

phenolic acids with ester linkages to a central glucose

Question 4

what is the composition of coumarins and furanocoumarins

Answer 4

they have multiple ring structures with a carbonyl linked to an oxygen within the ring.

Question 5

what is the composition of chromes and furanchromones

Answer 5

multiple, resonance stabilized ring structure with carbonyl off 1C and O in the 4C space.

Question 6

what is the composition of anthraquinone?

Answer 6

polyphenolic compound, 3 - 6 ring structures resonance stabilized with opposite di-carbonyls off the middle 6 membered ring

Question 7

what is the composition of lignans?

Answer 7

dimeric compounds formed by two phenylpropene derivatives

Question 8

what is the composition of stilbenes?

Answer 8

phenolic with resonance stabilized 2 carbon attachment of 2 phenyl rings (some with multiple -OH groups)

Question 9

what is the composition of flavonoids?

Answer 9

3 aromatic rings, colorfully pigmented molecules

Question 10

Which classes of constituents are volatile?

Answer 10

simple phenolic compounds

Question 11

what is a glycoside? a glycone? and an aglycone?

Answer 11

glycoside: a phenolic compound with a sugar group
glycone: the sugar moiety
aglycone: the phenolic portion

Question 12

How are anthraquinones used medicinally?

Answer 12

anthraquinone are known most well for their plant-based laxative and purgative effects. MANY OCCUR AS GLYCOSIDES
many are pigments

Question 13

what is the difference between anthocyanins, anthocyanidins (based off which ion?) and proanthocyanidins

Answer 13

anthocyanins - colorful red and blue compounds - glycosides of anthocyanadins

anthocyanadins - pH dependent colorful pigments based on the flavylium ion

proanthocyanidins - condensed tannins, not readily hydrolyzed. found in grapes, hawthorn, apples, cocoa - astringent.

Question 14

what class of compounds act as phytoestrogens?

Answer 14

lignans

Question 15

what do phenolic compounds have antioxidant properties?

Answer 15

resonance stabilization of the molecules produces an electron cloud that can accommodate some of the more reactive species present such as ROS.