Heroin is a white, odourless, bitter crystalline compound which is obtained from the acetylation of a secondary metabolite. This metabolite is extracted from

Options

A. Rauwolffia serpentina
B. Papaver somniferum
C. Cannabis sativa
D. Cajanus cajan

Answer

To solve the question regarding the extraction of the secondary metabolite used to produce heroin, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Compound**: The question states that heroin is derived from a secondary metabolite. The specific secondary metabolite in this case is morphine.

**Hint**: Remember that heroin is chemically known as diacetylmorphine, which is derived from morphine.

2. **Understand the Process**: Heroin is synthesized through the acetylation of morphine. This means that morphine undergoes a chemical reaction where acetyl groups are added to it.

**Hint**: Acetylation is a common chemical process that modifies the structure of a compound to create a new substance.

3. **Determine the Source**: The next step is to identify where morphine is extracted from. Morphine is obtained from a specific plant known for its psychoactive properties.

**Hint**: Think about plants that are known for producing opioids; one prominent example is the poppy plant.

4. **Identify the Plant**: The plant from which morphine is extracted is the poppy plant, scientifically named *Papaver somniferum*.

**Hint**: Scientific names are usually in Latin and consist of a genus name followed by a species name; remember to capitalize the genus name.

5. **Specify the Plant Part**: Morphine is extracted specifically from the latex of the poppy plant, which is found in the seed pods.

**Hint**: Consider which part of the plant is typically used for extracting substances like morphine.

6. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the answer to the question is that the secondary metabolite (morphine) is extracted from the leaves of the poppy plant (*Papaver somniferum*).

### Final Answer:
Heroin is obtained from the acetylation of morphine, which is extracted from the leaves of the poppy plant (*Papaver somniferum*).