Question

A secondary plant compound might be used for which of the following? a. a new crop variety b. a new drug c. a soil nutrient d. a crop pest

Short answer

b. A new drug

Step-by-step solution

Understand Secondary Plant Compounds

Secondary plant compounds, also known as secondary metabolites, are organic compounds that are not directly involved in the normal growth, development, or reproduction of a plant. Instead, they play a role in the plant's defense mechanisms against herbivores, pathogens, and competitors. Some of these compounds have been found to have beneficial effects in humans, including as medicinal compounds, flavorings, or pigments.

Evaluate Option A - A New Crop Variety

A new crop variety would involve the development of a plant with a different genotype that affects its primary characteristics, such as growth, yield, or resistance to pests. Since secondary plant compounds are not directly involved in these primary functions, they are not likely to be relevant for developing a new crop variety. Therefore, option A is not the correct answer.

Evaluate Option B - A New Drug

Because secondary plant compounds can have beneficial effects on human health, they can potentially be used as the basis for a new drug. Many well-known drugs, such as aspirin and morphine, have been derived from plant secondary compounds. This makes option B a likely candidate for the correct answer.

Evaluate Option C - A Soil Nutrient

Soil nutrients are essential elements and compounds that plants require for their growth and development. Secondary plant compounds, however, are not involved in these primary functions and are not known to benefit soil or plant nutrition. Therefore, option C is not the correct answer.

Evaluate Option D - A Crop Pest

Although some secondary plant compounds can act as natural pesticides by repelling or killing pests, they themselves do not become crop pests. A crop pest would typically be an organism that causes damage or harm to the crop, and secondary plant compounds do not fit this definition. As a result, option D is not the correct answer.

Choose the Correct Answer

Based on the evaluation of each option, it is clear that option B - a new drug - is the most likely use for a secondary plant compound. Therefore, the correct answer is: b. A new drug

Key concepts

Secondary Metabolites

Secondary metabolites are fascinating compounds produced by plants that don't play a direct role in growth or reproduction. Unlike primary metabolites like sugars and proteins, secondary metabolites serve more specialized functions.
These compounds are

• often involved in interactions with the environment,
• can be unique to certain plant species,
• and might help in attracting pollinators or warding off predators.

They include a wide variety of substances, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolics. By not being essential for survival, they can be quite diverse and unique.
For students interested in biochemistry or pharmacology, secondary metabolites represent a treasure trove of potential both for plant biology and human application.

Plant Defense Mechanisms

One of the primary roles of secondary metabolites is helping plants defend themselves. Plants are often stationary targets, so they need effective defense strategies.

• Some secondary metabolites act as toxins, deterring animals from eating the plants.
• Others might mimic insect hormones or pheromones, disrupting the life cycle of herbivorous pests.
• There are also compounds which contribute to physical defenses, like thicker cuticles or hardened cell walls.

These defense mechanisms not only protect plants but provide insights into sustainable agricultural practices, showing how crops might naturally repel pests. Understanding these can lead to less reliance on chemical pesticides, which can harm the environment.

Medicinal Compounds

Interestingly, many secondary plant compounds have been harnessed as medicinal compounds. The history of medicine is intertwined with plants offering remedies.

• For example, aspirin originated from salicylic acid found in willow bark.
• Opium poppies gave rise to morphine, a potent painkiller.
• Even compounds like paclitaxel, derived from yew trees, are significant in cancer treatment.

Medicinal compounds derived from plants exemplify the importance of biodiversity and conservation, as many potential drugs are waiting to be discovered in the plant kingdom. Research and preservation are critical in not only enhancing health care but also in ensuring the sustainability of these natural resources.