Vincristine and curcumin belong to the category of :

Options

A. Drugs
B. Lectins
C. Toxins
D. Alkaloids

Answer

To solve the question regarding the classification of Vincristine and Curcumin, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Compounds**: Recognize that Vincristine and Curcumin are both compounds derived from natural sources. Vincristine is an alkaloid derived from the periwinkle plant (Catharanthus roseus), while Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound found in turmeric (Curcuma longa).

2. **Classify Biomolecules**: Understand the distinction between primary and secondary metabolites.
- **Primary Metabolites**: These include compounds like sugars and amino acids that are essential for normal physiological functions.
- **Secondary Metabolites**: These are compounds that are not directly involved in the normal growth, development, or reproduction of an organism but can have significant biological effects. Examples include alkaloids, flavonoids, and essential oils.

3. **Determine the Category**: Since both Vincristine and Curcumin are not essential for basic metabolic processes but have significant pharmacological effects, they fall under the category of secondary metabolites.
- Vincristine, being an alkaloid, is a type of secondary metabolite.
- Curcumin, being a polyphenol, is also classified as a secondary metabolite.

4. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct classification for both Vincristine and Curcumin is that they belong to the category of secondary metabolites.

### Final Answer:
Vincristine and Curcumin belong to the category of **secondary metabolites**.