Biosynthesis of β-Carboline Alkaloids

Learn about the biosynthesis of β-carboline alkaloids, specifically the formation of Schiff base and intramolecular Mannich reaction. Discover how aromaticity is restored and types of β-carboline alkaloids like harmine and harmaline. Explore the production of pyrrolo-indole alkaloids through methylation of the indole nucleus.

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Questions and Answers

Which type of alkaloids form a small group of tryptamine derivatives?

Pyrolo-indole alkaloids

What is the biosynthetic pathway for β-carboline alkaloids?

Schiff base formation from tryptamine and aldehyde followed by intramolecular Mannich reaction

What is the key feature of Isoprenoid indole alkaloids?

Derivation from tryptamine and isoprenoid building blocks

Which plant family does Rauwolfia serpentina belong to?

Apocynaceae Signup and view all the answers

Which alkaloid is used as an antihypertensive and tranquilizer?

Reserpine Signup and view all the answers

What is the general characteristic of Strong anhydronium bases like Serpentine?

Highly basic compounds containing nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

What is the biochemical precursor of indole alkaloids?

The amino acid tryptophan Signup and view all the answers

How are isoprenoid and non-isoprenoid indole alkaloids distinguished?

By their biosynthetic pathways Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a non-isoprenoid indole alkaloid?

Tryptamine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a Rauwolfia alkaloid?

Vincristine Signup and view all the answers

What is the first synthesis step in the formation of DMT and psilocybin from tryptophan?

Decarboxylation Signup and view all the answers

Which coenzyme participates in the methylation of tryptamine to form DMT?

S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) Signup and view all the answers

What is the common structural feature of Rauwolfia alkaloids?

They are derived from tryptophan and corynanthe-type monoterpenoid precursors Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action responsible for the antihypertensive effects of reserpine?

Depletion of catecholamines from peripheral sympathetic nerve endings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following compounds is formed by the oxidation of DMT?

Psilocin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following alkaloids from Catharanthus roseus (Vinca) has anti-neoplastic activity?

Vincristine Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action for the anti-neoplastic effects of vincristine and vinblastine?

Inhibition of tubulin polymerization and microtubule assembly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common structural feature shared by Rauwolfia alkaloids and the anti-neoplastic Vinca alkaloids?

They contain indole and dihydroindole rings Signup and view all the answers