Q.33 Match the products in Group I with the applications in Group II.
Group I Group II
P. Digoxin 1. Muscle relaxant
Q. Stevioside 2. Anti-cancer agent
R. Atropine 3. Cardiovascular disorder
S. Vinblastine 4. Sweetener
(A) P-1, Q-4, R-3, S-2 (B) P-3, Q-2, R-1, S-4
(C) P-3, Q-4, R-1, S-2 (D) P-2, Q-3, R-1, S-4
Digoxin, stevioside, atropine, and vinblastine are plant-derived compounds with distinct therapeutic roles in medicine and biotechnology. These natural products feature prominently in competitive exams testing pharmacognosy and biochemistry applications. Correctly matching them to uses like cardiovascular treatment or anti-cancer therapy requires understanding their bioactive properties and clinical indications.
Compound Applications
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Digoxin (P): Cardiac glycoside from foxglove (Digitalis lanata), used for heart failure and atrial fibrillation by enhancing myocardial contractility and controlling heart rate.
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Stevioside (Q): Glycoside from Stevia rebaudiana leaves, functions as a zero-calorie natural sweetener, ideal for diabetes management due to non-nutritive sweet taste [ from prior context].
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Atropine (R): Alkaloid from Atropa belladonna, acts as an anticholinergic agent causing muscle relaxation, particularly in smooth muscles for conditions like spasms or pre-anesthesia.
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Vinblastine (S): Vincristine-related alkaloid from Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle), microtubule inhibitor employed as an anti-cancer agent in Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other malignancies.
Group II Matches
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Muscle relaxant: Targets smooth muscle via cholinergic blockade.
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Anti-cancer agent: Disrupts cell division in tumors.
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Cardiovascular disorder: Improves heart function and rhythm.
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Sweetener: Provides intense sweetness without calories.
Correct Answer
Option (C) P-3, Q-4, R-1, S-2 is correct. Digoxin treats cardiovascular disorders. Stevioside serves as a sweetener. Atropine functions as a muscle relaxant. Vinblastine acts as an anti-cancer agent.
| Group I | Compound | Matches | Application | Source Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | Digoxin | 3 | Cardiovascular disorder | Heart failure, AF |
| Q | Stevioside | 4 | Sweetener | Natural non-caloric |
| R | Atropine | 1 | Muscle relaxant | Anticholinergic |
| S | Vinblastine | 2 | Anti-cancer agent | Mitotic inhibitor |
Option Explanations
(A) P-1, Q-4, R-3, S-2: Incorrect. Digoxin (P-1) mismatches cardiac action with muscle relaxation; atropine (R-3) confuses relaxant with heart treatment.
(B) P-3, Q-2, R-1, S-4: Incorrect. Stevioside (Q-2) wrongly pairs sweetener with anti-cancer; vinblastine (S-4) misassigns chemotherapy to sweetening.
(C) P-3, Q-4, R-1, S-2: Correct, as detailed above with precise pharmacological roles.
(D) P-2, Q-3, R-1, S-4: Incorrect. Digoxin (P-2) erroneously links heart drug to anti-cancer; stevioside (Q-3) mismatches sweetener to cardiovascular use.
These plant metabolites highlight biotechnology’s role in drug discovery, from microbial fermentation analogs to genetic engineering for higher yields in medicinal plants. For biotech students, mastering such matchings aids in pharmacognosy and bioprocess exams.
