Which of these secondary metabolites is an alkaloid ?

Options

A. Codeine
B. Anthocyanin
C. Abrin
D. Curcumin

Answer

To solve the question "Which of these secondary metabolites is an alkaloid?", we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand Metabolites
Metabolites are substances produced during metabolic processes in organisms. They can be classified into two categories: primary metabolites and secondary metabolites.

### Step 2: Differentiate Between Primary and Secondary Metabolites
- **Primary Metabolites**: These are essential for growth and development, such as amino acids, nucleotides, and sugars.
- **Secondary Metabolites**: These are not directly involved in growth, development, or reproduction but serve other functions, such as defense mechanisms or pigmentation. Examples include alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolics.

### Step 3: Identify Alkaloids
Alkaloids are a class of secondary metabolites that often have significant pharmacological effects. They are typically nitrogen-containing compounds. Common examples include morphine, caffeine, and codeine.

### Step 4: Analyze the Options
The question provides several options, and we need to identify which one is an alkaloid:
1. **Codeine**: This is an alkaloid derived from the opium poppy and is used as a pain reliever.
2. **Anthocyanin**: This is a pigment found in plants and is not an alkaloid.
3. **Ebrin**: This is a toxin and not classified as an alkaloid.
4. **Curcumin**: This is a compound found in turmeric and is considered a drug but not an alkaloid.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the correct answer is **Codeine**, as it is the only option that is classified as an alkaloid.

### Final Answer
The secondary metabolite that is an alkaloid is **Codeine**.

---