Q59. Find the CORRECT match among the plant species in GROUP I with the phytochemical in GROUP II and the economic/medicinal use in GROUP III.
| GROUP I | GROUP II | GROUP III |
|---|---|---|
| P. Pogostemon aromatics | i. Vincristine | 1. Toothache relief |
| Q. Gracilaria sp. | ii. Eugenol | 2. Dessert jelly |
| R. Catharanthus roseus | iii. Morphine | 3. Leukaemia treatment |
| S. Papaver somniferum | iv. Flavonols | 4. Beverage |
| T. Theobroma cacao | v. Phenols | 5. Analgesic |
Options:
- (A) P-i, Q-ii, R-iii, S-iv, T-v
- (B) P-i, Q-iii, R-ii, S-v, T-iv
- (C) P-i, Q-iii, R-v, S-iv, T-ii
- (D) P-ii, Q-iv, R-i, S-v, T-iii
Correct answer: (A) P-I, Q-II, R-III, S-IV, T-V
Syzygium aromaticum contains eugenol used for toothache relief, Gracilaria sp. yields agar for dessert jelly, Catharanthus roseus produces vinblastine/vincristine for leukemia treatment, Papaver somniferum provides morphine as an analgesic, and phenols/flavonols link generally but match by elimination.
Option Analysis
Each option proposes matches: P (Syzygium aromaticum) to a phytochemical in Group II, Q (Gracilaria sp.) to another, etc., against Group III uses 1-5.
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Option A: P-I (clove-eugenol-toothache), Q-II (Gracilaria-agar-jelly), R-III (Catharanthus-vinblastine-leukemia), S-IV (Papaver-morphine-analgesic), T-V (remaining-phenols-beverage). Matches verified facts.
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Option B: Wrong: P-I correct, but Q-III (agar-leukemia mismatch), R-II (vinblastine-agar no).
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Option C: Wrong: P-I correct, Q-IV (agar-morphine no), R-V (vinblastine-beverage no).
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Option D: Wrong: Starts P-II (clove-vinblastine no).
Key Matches Explained
Syzygium aromaticum’s eugenol offers analgesic effects for toothache via local anesthesia. Gracilaria sp. agar forms gels for desserts. Catharanthus roseus vinca alkaloids treat leukemia by inhibiting mitosis. Papaver somniferum morphine acts as opioid analgesic.
Introduction to Question
This CSIR NET Life Sciences question tests phytochemical identification and economic/medical applications in plants like Syzygium aromaticum and Catharanthus roseus. Correct matching boosts scores in molecular biology, biotechnology sections.
Phytochemical Profiles
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Syzygium aromaticum: Rich in eugenol (70-90%), with analgesic, antimicrobial roles.
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Gracilaria sp.: Agar source, polysaccharide for gelling.
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Catharanthus roseus: Vinblastine, vincristine alkaloids for anticancer therapy.
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Papaver somniferum: Morphine, key opioid analgesic.
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General phenols/flavonols: Antioxidants, beverages by default.
Economic Medical Uses
| Plant/Compound | Primary Use | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Syzygium aromaticum / Eugenol | Toothache relief | Analgesic oil |
| Gracilaria sp. / Agar | Dessert jelly | Food gelling |
| Catharanthus roseus / Vinblastine | Leukemia treatment | Chemotherapy |
| Papaver somniferum / Morphine | Analgesic | Pain management |
| Flavonols / Phenols | Beverage | Antioxidant drinks |
Exam Preparation Tips
Practice similar matching for CSIR NET: Link plants to indole/isoquinoline alkaloids, polysaccharides. Focus on Catharanthus roseus leukemia link, clove eugenol dental use. Review options systematically to eliminate mismatches.
