Introduction

Questions on plant alkaloids and their medicinal uses are frequently asked in NEET, CUET, and other biology entrance exams. These questions test factual clarity regarding:

• Active compounds (alkaloids)

• Source plants

• Pharmacological applications

In this article, we’ll:

• Identify the correct matching from the three columns

• Explain why the correct option is right

• Discuss why other options are incorrect

Given Data

Column I – Alkaloid

• P. Morphine

• Q. Nicotine

• R. Atropine

• S. Vinblastine

Column II – Source Plant

1. Cinchona officinalis

2. Hyoscyamus niger

3. Papaver somniferum

4. Nicotiana tabacum

5. Coffea arabica

6. Catharanthus roseus

Column III – Use

i. Antineoplastic
ii. Respiratory paralysis
iii. Antibacterial
iv. Narcotic analgesic
v. Anticholinergic
vi. Antifungal

Correct Matching Explained

P. Morphine

• Source: Papaver somniferum

• Use: Narcotic analgesic

✔ Morphine is a powerful painkiller obtained from opium poppy.

✅ P – 3 – iv

Q. Nicotine

• Source: Nicotiana tabacum

• Use: Respiratory paralysis (toxic effect in high doses)

✔ Nicotine is a toxic alkaloid affecting the nervous system.

✅ Q – 4 – ii

R. Atropine

• Source: Hyoscyamus niger

• Use: Anticholinergic

✔ Atropine blocks acetylcholine and is used in ophthalmology and cardiac treatment.

✅ R – 2 – v

S. Vinblastine

• Source: Catharanthus roseus

• Use: Antineoplastic

✔ Vinblastine is a well-known anticancer drug used in chemotherapy.

✅ S – 6 – i

Final Correct Combination

Correct Answer

✅ Option (C)

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

❌ Option (A)

• Morphine is not antineoplastic

• Vinblastine is not derived from tobacco

❌ Option (B)

• Cinchona produces quinine, not nicotine

• Coffee produces caffeine, not vinblastine

❌ Option (D)

• Atropine is anticholinergic, not antibacterial

• Vinblastine is not antifungal

Exam Tip 🧠

🔑 High-yield memory trick:

• Morphine → Pain → Poppy

• Nicotine → Tobacco

• Atropine → Anticholinergic

• Vinblastine → Cancer drug

Remembering these pairs helps you score easy marks in exams 🎯

Final Takeaway

Understanding the source and medicinal role of plant alkaloids makes such matching questions simple.
The correct answer is Option (C).