16 Questions
What is the most abundant type of phytochemical and contains a hydroxyl group?
Phenolics
What is the type of phytochemical that has two benzene rings separated by a propane unit?
Flavonoids
What is the type of phytochemical that plays an important role in plant signaling and growth regulation?
Terpenoids
Which of the following types of phytochemical are used in the food products?
Saponins
What is the most abundant type of phytochemicals?
Phenolic
How are flavonoids derived?
From flavones
Which functional group characterizes phenolic compounds?
Hydroxyl group
In which type of plants can phenolic compounds mostly be found?
Kingdom Plantae
What kind of compounds are flavonoids?
Water-soluble compounds
Which type of phytochemicals have two benzene rings separated by a propane unit?
Flavonoids
What is the main function of flavonoids in the body?
Warding off everyday toxins
In what way are tannins beneficial for plant defense?
Repelling insects and birds
What role do hydrolysable tannins and condensed tannins play in plant defense?
Act as protective compounds
How are tannin-containing phytoconstituents utilized in medicine?
To treat gastrointestinal tumors
What is the primary function of terpenoids?
Serving as natural remedies with diverse structures
Which biological property is NOT associated with flavonoids?
DNA repair
Study Notes
Types of Phytochemicals
- Phytochemicals are classified into five types: Flavonoids, Tannins, Terpenoids, Phenolic, and Saponins.
Phenolic
- Phenolic are the most abundant phytochemicals and are found throughout the kingdom Plantae.
- They are a group of chemical compounds that contain hydroxyl groups, where the (OH) group is directly bonded to an aromatic hydrocarbon group.
- Phenolics have been investigated for their agronomic, pharmacological, chemical, and medical properties.
Flavonoids
- Flavonoids are derived from flavones and have two benzene rings separated by a propane unit.
- They are water-soluble compounds and rich in antioxidant activity.
- Flavonoids have gained popularity due to their wide pharmacological activities, including anticancer, antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tannins
- Tannins are phenolic compounds found in plants' leaves, bark, fruit, wood, and roots, mainly in the lysosomes.
- They are classified into two types: hydrolysable tannins and condensed tannins.
- Tannins are used as exfoliates, diuretics, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, free radical scavenging, and hemostatic therapies.
Terpenoids
- Terpenoids, also known as isoprenoids, are the most diverse and abundant natural remedies in terms of structure.
- They are used as flavors and fragrances in edible products and cosmetics, and are essential for agro-based quality products.
Saponins
- Saponins are found in a variety of plants and in some marine sources, such as starfish, sea cucumber, and fish.
- They are divided into two categories based on the nature of their aglycone skeleton: steroidal saponins and triterpenoid saponins.
- Steroidal saponins are mostly found in monocotyledonous angiosperms, while triterpenoid saponins are found primarily in dicotyledonous angiosperms.
This quiz covers the types of phytochemicals including flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and saponins. Objectives include identification and description of each type of phytochemical, and understanding their importance in plants. Group activity instructions for students are also provided.
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