Question

Name the secondary metabolites in Catharanthus roseus.

Answer 1

Hint: Based on the role of a plant in its growth and development, these are of two types- primary metabolites and secondary metabolites. Primary metabolites are the compounds that play a role directly in the development, growth or reproduction of a plant. These include several amino acids, lactic acid etc. Whereas, the secondary metabolites are mainly the natural products that are produced by several organisms or plants itself.

Complete answer:
Let’s discuss the question and find the correct answer.
Plants have the capability to produce and synthesize a large number of organic compounds. Based on their chemical structure plant metabolites are of different types- Phenolics, terpenes, alkaloids, glycosides etc. Phenolics are the most common secondary metabolites that are found abundant in nature. It bears hydroxyl groups as a side chain in its aromatic structure. Terpenes are mainly composed of isoprene units and is a class of products that produce naturally. Alkaloids are a large group of secondary metabolites that bear nitrogenous groups and the glycosides are the molecules where the compounds remain linked with the help of glycosidic bonds.
In Catharanthus roseus, mainly vincristine, vinblastine, ajmalicine and catharanthine secondary metabolites are found. Catharanthus roseus is a widely used herbaceous plant that has the ability to produce several alkaloids. Vinblastine and vincristine alkaloids are extensively used in human neoplasm treatment whereas ajmalicine is used in the treatment of hypertension, several circulatory disorders etc.

Note: Secondary metabolites are also used in several medicines. These include morphine, artemisinin, codeine, atropine etc.Another secondary metabolite namely anthocyanidin and several other terpenes and phenolic compounds have also been reported in this plant.