What type of plant secondary metabolite is often used in cancer treatment?
Practice Questions
Q1
What type of plant secondary metabolite is often used in cancer treatment?
Alkaloids
Terpenes
Phenolics
Glycosides
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What type of plant secondary metabolite is often used in cancer treatment?
Correct Answer: Alkaloids
Step 1: Understand what plant secondary metabolites are. These are compounds produced by plants that are not directly involved in their growth, development, or reproduction.
Step 2: Learn that some of these metabolites have medicinal properties and can be used to treat diseases.
Step 3: Identify that alkaloids are a type of plant secondary metabolite. They often have strong effects on the human body.
Step 4: Recognize that certain alkaloids, like those found in the periwinkle plant, are used in cancer treatment.
Step 5: Understand that these alkaloids are used in chemotherapy, which is a common treatment for cancer.
