Question

Alkaloids are
(a)Sour acidic substances
(b)Bitter basic substances
(c)Sweet neutral substances
(d)Tasteless ingredients

Answer 1

Hint: Alkaloids are produced by many plants as secondary metabolites. Such as Papaver somniferum (poppy plant) produces morphine, Atropa belladonna produces atropine, black pepper produces piperine, etc. These chemicals do not have a well-defined function in the plants but are useful for humans.

Complete answer:
Alkaloids are organic compounds obtained from plants that have at least one nitrogen in it. They are weakly basic or amphoteric in nature. They are bitter in taste and many of them are poisonous. Plants produce them as a defense mechanism because herbivores stay away from plans that are bitter and poisonous.

Additional Information: Let us look at some examples of alkaloids.
-Morphine: It is an analgesic drug used to relieve pain. It works by acting on the central nervous system and suppressing it.
-Codeine: It is a weak narcotic pain killer that is used to treat pain, coughing, and diarrhea. Codeine is also obtained from Papaver somniferum.
-Atropine: This is a poisonous alkaloid. It is an anticholinergic which means it blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine thus inhibiting the parasympathetic nervous system.
-Piperine: It is an anti-hyperglycemic drug. It is used in the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus. It is responsible for the strong smell of black pepper.
So, the correct option is ‘Bitter basic substances.’

Note: -Another important alkaloid is quinine which is used to treat malaria.
-Most of the alkaloids cause hallucinations when ingested by humans.
-Some weakly acidic compounds are also included in the group of alkaloids i.e. there is not a clear cut distinction.