36. Artemisinin and Dhurrin belongs to respective groups of the plant natural compounds
(1) Alkaloids and Terpenes
(2) Flavonoids and Alkaloids
(3) Cynogenic glycosides and Flavonoids
(4) Terpenes and Cynogenic glycosides

Correct answer: (4) Terpenes and Cyanogenic glycosides

Artemisinin is a sesquiterpene lactone (terpene) from Artemisia annua, featuring an endoperoxide bridge essential for its antimalarial activity. Dhurrin is a cyanogenic glycoside from sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), releasing hydrogen cyanide (HCN) upon hydrolysis for plant defense.​

Option Analysis

• (1) Alkaloids and Terpenes — Incorrect. Dhurrin lacks nitrogen heterocyclic structure defining alkaloids.

• (2) Flavonoids and Alkaloids — Incorrect. Neither compound is flavonoid (polyphenolic) nor alkaloid.

• (3) Cyanogenic glycosides and Flavonoids — Incorrect. Artemisinin is terpene, not cyanogenic glycoside.

• (4) Terpenes and Cyanogenic glycosides — Correct matching.

Artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone terpene, and dhurrin, a cyanogenic glycoside, exemplify specialized plant natural products: the former combats malaria through peroxide-mediated parasite killing, while the latter provides herbivore defense via enzymatic HCN release upon tissue damage.