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WorksheetsPharmacognosy & Phytochemistry-I Question Bank
Total questions: 150
Worksheet time: 1hrs 15mins
The scientist who isolated morphine is
Serturner
Derosne
William Withering
Le'mery
The drug that does not belong to carbohydrate class is
Colophony
Guar gum
Acacia
Agar
The drug that shows cardiac depressant activity
Digitalis
Strophanthus
Veratrum
Squill
Which of the following is not used as a vasoconstrictor
Ergot
Cinchona
Veratrum
Squill
The term Aril means
Outgrowth originating from micropyle
Succulent growth from hilum
Enlarged funicle
Stiff bristle like appendages
Which of the following does not belong to capsule type fruit
Senna
Cotton
Cardamom
Pea
The stigma of which drug has medicinal importance
Fig
Jasmine
Saffron
Rose
The synonym of Rhubarb compound powder is
Gregory's powder
Moist powder
Heavy powder
Fine powder
The camphorated opium tincture contains the ___ of morphine
0.5%
5.0%
0.1%
0.05%
Tolu syrup 100 g contains ____ grams of tolu balsam
10.5 g
11.5 g
12.5 g
13.5 g
Prepared Storax contains ___ percent of total balsamic acid
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
The umbel of a drug possessing medicinal value is
Jasmine
Fennel
Fig
Saffron
The drug that does not possess carminative property is
Dill
Mentha
Senna
Cardamom
Rauwolfia liquid extract contains the ____ of alkaloids
0.1% w/v
1.0% w/v
0.01% w/v
0.02% w/v
Thick walled beaded epidermis is the characteristic of leaf
Senna
Hyoscyamus
Belladonna
Digitalis
Wavy epidermis is the characteristic of the leaf
Senna
Digitalis
Hyoscyamus
Vinca
The drug that does not possess anticancer activity is
Podophyllum
Curare
Camptotheca
Taxus
All the drugs are used as an anthelmintic, except
Aconite
Male fern
Quassia
Vidang
The drug which is used as a bronchodilator is
Tea
Liquorice
Ipecac
Vasaka
The drug used as an emetic is
Agar
Isapgol
Ipecac
Banana
The roots of following drugs are effective except
Rauwolfia
Ipecac
Turmeric
Aconite
______ is the father of medicine
Aristotle
Dioscorides
Hippocrates
Galen
The drug that does not come under the seed class is
Nux vomica
Digitalis
Strophanthus
Isapghol
Dried latex of the drugs are used in the following except
Opium
Gatta parcha
Papain
Balsam
____ drug is used as antihypertensive
Rauwolfia
Digitalis
Squill
Strophanthus
Tyrosine is the starting material for the biosynthesis of following class of alkaloids, except
Papavarine
Thebaine
Pyrrolidine
Codeine
High concentration of the sugar _____ is responsible for cataract
Sorbitol
Fructose
Maltose
Dextrose
The biological source of Alexandrian Senna is
Cassia auriculata
Cassia acutifolia
Cassia angustifolia
Cassia acuminate
Plastids are found mainly in
Plants
Animals
Algae
Both a and c
______ is not an example of legume fruit
Senna
Tamarind
Cardamom
Pea
Out of the following ____ is not the function of cell wall
Protect the protoplast
Mechanical support to the organelles
Check the rate of transpiration
Prepares starch
Vasaka is used as an expectorant
True
False
Ephedra is used as an adrenergic drug
True
False
Curare is an immunomodulatory drug
True
False
Alkaloids are acidic in nature.
True
False
Wavy and straight cuticle are characteristic of Belladonna leaf.
True
False
Digitalis possess anomocytic type of stomata.
True
False
Rosette type of calcium oxalate crystals are present in Ipecac.
True
False
Haemolysis test is carried out for the presence saponin glycosides.
True
False
The first binomial system of classification of plants was given by Carl Linnaeus.
True
False
Ara-A is an effective antiviral marine drug.
True
False
History, scope and development of Pharmacognosy: Which statement best summarizes the scope of pharmacognosy as asked in the prompt?
It focuses on the study of crude drugs of natural origin, including their history, sources, constituents, evaluation and uses.
It is limited to synthetic drug discovery from laboratory chemistry without reference to plants, animals or minerals.
It studies only the cultivation techniques of medicinal plants without addressing constituents or evaluation.
It concerns the marketing and pricing of pharmaceuticals rather than their origin or constituents.
Classification of crude drugs with suitable examples: Which classification basis aligns with standard pharmacognosy practice?
By taxonomic source (plant, animal, mineral), morphological form (organized/unorganized), and chemical constituents (alkaloids, glycosides, etc.)
Only by geographic origin and trade name
Exclusively by therapeutic use, ignoring morphology and chemistry
By company brand and year of discovery
Adulteration: Which option correctly defines adulteration in crude drugs and identifies its major types?
The deliberate or accidental substitution or addition of inferior, spurious, or foreign material; types include substitution, addition, sophistication, and admixture.
A process of sterilizing crude drugs to remove microbes; types include dry heat and moist heat.
A legal renaming of crude drugs for export; types include trademark and patent.
The enhancement of potency by enrichment with active constituents; types include fortification and concentration.
Chemical classification of natural drugs and their merits and demerits: Which chemical grouping is central to pharmacognostic classification?
Primary metabolites only, such as carbohydrates and proteins, because secondary metabolites are irrelevant
Secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, terpenoids and flavonoids, classified by dominant constituent
Only inorganic salts, excluding organic compounds
Drugs classified solely by their color and odor
Drug evaluation and its types: Which option correctly captures the main types of crude drug evaluation mentioned in the prompt?
Organoleptic, microscopic, physical, chemical, biological and analytical methods
Only organoleptic methods using taste and smell
Economic evaluation based on market demand
Computer-based evaluation using brand databases
Physical and chemical methods of evaluation of crude drugs: Which choice lists appropriate examples of these methods?
Physical constants (moisture content, ash values, extractive values) and chemical tests for constituents (e.g., alkaloid, glycoside reactions)
Only measuring plant height and leaf area
Conducting interviews with traders about drug authenticity
Recording packaging design and label color
Microscopical techniques involved in evaluation of crude drugs: Which option correctly identifies key techniques?
Sectioning, staining, powder microscopy and use of camera lucida for drawings
MRI scanning of dried plant material
Exclusive macroscopic inspection without microscopy
Use of satellite imaging to locate plant sources
Analytical methods of drug evaluation: Which set represents appropriate instrumental approaches?
Chromatography, spectroscopy and titrimetry applied to identify and quantify constituents
Dream analysis and astrology to predict authenticity
Painting samples for visual appeal
Weather forecasting to plan evaluations
Principle and working of camera lucida: Which statement best describes its use in pharmacognosy microscopy?
An optical drawing aid that projects the microscopic image to assist accurate tracing of structures.
A device for drying plant material at controlled temperatures.
A machine for pulverizing crude drugs into powder.
An instrument for measuring soil pH in cultivation fields.
Types of stomata with examples: Which option correctly identifies a stomatal type commonly noted in crude drug microscopy?
Anomocytic stomata lacking distinct subsidiary cells, seen in Digitalis
Spiracular stomata found only in insects
Branchial stomata located on fish gills
Photosynthetic stomata producing chlorophyll directly
Types of calcium oxalate crystals with example: Which choice correctly pairs a crystal type with a crude drug example?
Rosette crystals—commonly reported in Ipecac are absent
Prism crystals—typical of table salt
Spherical crystals—found in quartz
Druses—cluster crystals reported in many herbal tissues
Organized versus unorganized drugs: Which statement appropriately differentiates them?
Organized drugs retain morphological plant or animal structures (e.g., leaves, seeds), whereas unorganized drugs are exudates or extracts lacking cellular organization (e.g., gums, resins).
Organized drugs are always synthetic, unorganized drugs are always natural.
Organized drugs are liquids; unorganized drugs are solids.
Organized drugs refer to brands; unorganized drugs refer to generics.
Ergastic substances of the cell: Which option correctly identifies an ergastic substance relevant in pharmacognosy?
Idioblast oil cells and stored products like starch, tannins and calcium oxalate
Mitochondria involved in respiration
Nucleus that controls heredity
Ribosomes responsible for protein synthesis
Types of trichomes with examples: Which option correctly describes a trichome relevant to crude drug identification?
Non-glandular covering trichomes and glandular secretory trichomes as diagnostic features in leaves and flowers
Only root hairs that occur underground with no diagnostic value
Feather trichomes found in birds used for plant ID
Metallic trichomes added during processing
Spectroscopical analysis of natural drugs: Which technique is appropriate for constituent identification?
UV–Visible spectroscopy for detecting chromophores in plant extracts
Measuring rainfall to predict metabolite levels
Filtration through cloth for clarity assessment only
Listening to sound frequencies emitted by samples
Methods of detection of adulteration: Which choice lists valid detection approaches?
Microscopic characters, chemical tests and chromatographic profiles compared to authentic standards
Smell alone without reference to standards
Asking the vendor about honesty
Changing the trade name to avoid detection
Biological method of drug evaluation: Which option correctly defines the approach?
Assessing activity by bioassays on living systems to determine potency and efficacy of constituents
Estimating price changes in market surveys
Counting leaves per plant to gauge effectiveness
Photographing samples for cataloging only
Sources of crude drugs: Which option correctly lists major sources mentioned in the prompt?
Plant, animal, and mineral sources, with marine sources as a subset of biological origins
Only laboratory-synthesized sources
Exclusively fossil sources
Meteorite-derived sources
Scope of pharmacognosy: Which statement best reflects the field’s scope as referenced in the prompt?
Comprehensive study of natural drugs—from source and cultivation through identification, evaluation, chemistry and therapeutic applications.
Exclusive focus on hospital dispensing practices.
Study limited to economic trade of medicinal plants.
Design of marketing campaigns for herbal products only.
Applications of Pharmacognosy: Which example best represents an application?
Discovery and standardization of phytopharmaceuticals and quality control of crude drugs
Creating brand logos for herbal companies
Tax collection on imported drugs
Manufacturing plastic packaging for medicines
Write short notes on marine drugs: Which statement correctly characterizes a marine-derived antiviral example referenced elsewhere in the worksheet?
Ara-A (vidarabine) is a marine-derived nucleoside with antiviral activity.
Marine sources are irrelevant to pharmacognosy.
Only proteins from fish qualify as marine drugs.
Marine drugs are defined by their salt content rather than bioactivity.
Explain serotaxonomy with illustration: Which option best defines serotaxonomy for crude drug classification?
Classification based on antigen–antibody (serological) reactions among taxa.
Grouping plants solely by flower color.
Sorting drugs by market seasonality.
Classifying by leaf size only.
Write short notes on chemotaxonomy: Which statement best defines chemotaxonomy?
Classification of plants based on chemical constituents (secondary metabolites) they produce.
Ranking plants by the length of their Latin names.
Organizing plants by geographic distance from the equator.
Sorting plants by seed weight alone.
Vegetative propagation of Saffron are carried out by using corms.
True
False
Balsams on hydrolysis yields benzoic acid and acetic acid.
True
False
Auxin is chemically indole 3-butyric acid.
True
False
Gibberellin is an endogenous plant regulator hormone.
True
False
In plant proteins occur as aleurone grains.
True
False
Chemodemes is an exogenous factor for cultivation.
True
False
The bitter content in Gentiana lutea increases with altitude.
True
False
Parathion is an insecticide.
True
False
Laterite soil contains high humus and low magnesia.
True
False
Under stress, abscissic acid act by opening of stomatal guard cells.
True
False
Vegetative propagation of ginger is carried out by using ____ of the plant
Tubers
Rhizomes
Runner
Offsets
Vegetative propagation of liquorice is performed by using the plant part
Suckers
Runners
Stolons
Rhizomes
Vegetative propagation of Aloe is performed by using the plant part
Corms
Bulbs
Runners
Offsets
Vegetative propagation of Saffron is performed by using the plant part
Corms
Tubers
Bulb
Rhizomes
Vegetative propagation of Peppermint is performed by using plant part
Rhizomes
Runners
Suckers
Stolons
Cultivation of Tea plant is carried out at altitude ____
1000-1500 m
1500-2000 m
2000-2500 m
2500-3000 m
The altitude needed for the cultivation of saffron is
Upto 2000
Upto 1750
Upto 1500
Upto 1250
Optimum temperature required for the cultivation of coffee is
55-70 °F
65 to 85 °F
85 to 95 °F
60 to 80 °F
The synthetic auxin chemically is
Indole-3-butyric acid
Indole-2-butyric acid
Indole-1-propionic acid
Indole-1-butyric acid
Which is naturally occurring auxin
Indole propionic acid
Indole butyric acid
Indole valeric acid
Indole acetic acid
Out of the following, which is not a synthetic auxin
Indole-3-acetic acid
Indole-3-butyric acid
2-naphthyloxyacetic acid
alpha-naphthyl acetic acid
Auxin performs different functions in plant except
Internode elongation
Leaf growth
Initiation of vascular tissue
In the synthesis of acetic acid
Endogenous plant growth regulator hormone is
Indole
Indene
Gibberellins
Glucose
The starting material for the biosynthesis of primary and secondary metabolite in plants is
Acetic acid
Propanoic acid
Shikimic acid
Butyric acid
In asexual reproduction, the organism formed as a Xerox copy of the parents and also inherits its characteristic is called as
Genetics
Clone
Heredity
Variation
What is Atavism?
Pattern of inheritance where some traits remain hidden in generation expressed later in next generation.
It is the study of various traits and genes.
It is the transmission of characteristic from parents to offspring.
It refers to any recognizable features in individual.
________ is called as the father of genetics
Alexander Flemming
Robert Hook
Gregor Mendel
Louis Pasteur
The Mendelian ratio in F2 generation is
2:1
1:2
1:3
3:1
Allele is defined as
Shape of DNA
Shape of RNA
A particular form of gene
Size of DNA
Genotype is
Genetic expression of organism
Physical observable expression of organism
Referred as first filial generation
Referred as second filial generation
Epistasis means
By mere presence of one gene suppression of action of other gene
A presence of chemical which reduces the action of other gene.
The gene effect gets suppressed.
The gene effect is manifested.
Advantages and drawbacks of wild collection and cultivation are best summarized by which statement?
Wild collection has low input cost but risks overexploitation and variable quality; cultivation ensures consistent, traceable supply but requires higher investment and management.
Wild collection guarantees standardization while cultivation produces highly variable drug content.
Cultivation is always cheaper and faster than wild collection with no risk of crop failure.
Both wild collection and cultivation provide identical quality and ecological impact when performed at any scale.
Polyploidy is correctly described by which statement?
The presence of more than two complete sets of chromosomes in a cell.
The loss of an entire chromosome from a diploid set.
A temporary change in gene expression without altering chromosome number.
Fusion of gametes from different species without chromosome doubling.
Which is an advantage of vegetative propagation in medicinal plants?
Production of genetically uniform plants with rapid multiplication and preservation of elite traits.
Increased genetic variation in every generation due to meiosis.
Longer juvenile period before first harvest compared with seed propagation.
Complete elimination of all pathogens without sanitation.
Which practice best reflects conservation of plant resources used as crude drugs?
Using a mix of unidentified wild plants to maintain biodiversity in the supply chain.
Prioritizing in situ protection of habitats and ex situ measures such as seed banks, field gene banks, and botanical gardens.
Harvesting entire populations at peak demand to avoid wastage.
Relying solely on importation from multiple countries to diversify sources.
Which statement describes good practice for collection and storage of crude drugs?
Collect at random times, dry in thick heaps, store in open sacks for ventilation.
Collect at the stage of maximum active constituents, clean and properly dry, and store in airtight, moisture- and light-protected containers with labels.
Wash all crude drugs extensively and store them wet to preserve aroma.
Mix batches from different species to maintain consistent weight.
Which set lists valid drying methods employed for crude drugs?
Sun and shade drying, hot-air oven drying, vacuum or freeze-drying when applicable.
Only shade drying; all other methods damage drugs.
Boiling followed by refrigeration for all drugs.
Microwave drying only.
Why are proper harvesting methods important in herbal drugs?
They maximize levels of desired constituents and minimize contamination or damage, improving quality and yield.
They mainly reduce labour costs with no effect on quality.
They allow harvesting at any growth stage without impact on constituents.
They permit substitution of one species for another without detection.
Which are exogenous factors affecting cultivation of medicinal plants?
Climate, soil type and fertility, altitude, irrigation, and photoperiod.
Chromosome number, gene mutations, and ploidy level.
Plant age and phenological stage only.
Type of chromatography used for analysis.
Garbling in crude drug processing refers to which action?
Removal of extraneous matter such as dirt, stems, and other contaminants after collection and drying.
Grinding the drug to uniform particle size before drying.
Chemical assay to determine active constituent content.
Application of pesticides during storage.
Which list contains common methods of sowing used in cultivation?
Broadcasting, drilling (line sowing), and dibbling/transplanting as appropriate for the crop.
Only hydroponic seeding for all species.
Random scattering without spacing or depth control.
Using tissue culture instead of seeds in open fields.
Which is an appropriate method for the collection of barks for crude drugs?
Strip harvesting from one side of the trunk or from opposite sides in alternate years during the dormant season to allow regeneration.
Girdling the entire circumference at once to peel off all bark.
Felling the whole tree for maximum yield in a single season.
Uprooting the plant and drying before bark removal.
Which comparison between wild collection and cultivation of natural drugs is most accurate?
Cultivation improves standardization and traceability, whereas wild collection may lead to adulteration and ecological pressure unless regulated.
Wild collection provides better quality control than cultivation in all cases.
Cultivation always reduces biodiversity and should be avoided.
Wild collection and cultivation have identical economic and ecological outcomes.
Which set best represents core cultivation techniques of herbal drugs?
Site and soil selection, land preparation, nursery and planting, spacing, irrigation, manuring, weeding and pest management, harvesting and post-harvest handling.
Only post-harvest storage and marketing.
Random sowing and unregulated watering without pest control.
Use of chemical synthesis to replace plant cultivation.
Which factor influences cultivation of medicinal plants?
Climate, soil pH, rainfall, altitude, and photoperiod.
Number of pages in the pharmacopeia.
Brand name of fertilizers used.
Colour of storage containers.
Which application correctly links polyploidy or mutation with pharmacognosy?
Polyploidy can increase organ size and sometimes secondary metabolite yield; mutation breeding can create high-yield or high-alkaloid cultivars.
Polyploidy always reduces metabolite content and should be avoided; mutation has no role in crop improvement.
Polyploid plants are sterile by definition and useless in cultivation.
Mutation breeding produces clones without any genetic change.
Which objective and application of hybridization in medicinal plants is correctly stated?
Combining desirable traits to develop varieties with higher drug content, improved yield, and disease or stress resistance.
Eliminating all genetic variability so plants cannot adapt.
Producing hybrids only for ornamental traits without regard to pharmacological constituents.
Avoiding selection to preserve wild-type levels of active compounds.
Regeneration capacity of plant cells are known as
Plasticity
Totipotency
Micropropagation
Differentiation
The process by which meristem cells are converted into more cells are known as
Differentiation
Dedifferentiation
Redifferentiation
Plasticity
The Embryo culture is carried out in 1904 by
Hanning
Kolte
Robbins
Haberlandt
Synthetic seed is known as
Encapsulation of somatic seeds
Encapsulation of somatic embryos
Encapsulation of somatic tissues only during storage
Encapsulation of anthers
The process of formation of unorganized tissues from organized tissues is known as
Organogenesis
Redifferentiation
De-differentiation
Differentiation
Embryo culture helps in
Production of orchids
Increasing germination of seed
Prevent seed dormancy
Increase breeding cycle
BOD incubator is
Biological oxygen demand
Biofuel oxygen demand
Basic oxygen demand
Biological oxygen depositor
Purple pigmentation of callus indicates
More phenolic
More flavonoids
More anthocyanin
More quinones
The colour of dead single cells in fluorescent diacetate is
Red
Blue
Pink
Unstain
The viable single cells are taking pink colour with reagent
Fluorescent diacetate
Evans blue
MTT
Bromine water
Haploid cells obtained by anther culture is also known as
Organogenesis
Androgenesis
Somoclonal variation
Plantagenesis
Protoplast cells are
Plant cells devoid of cell wall, consisting of plasma membrane and protoplasm.
Cells with intact, thick secondary cell walls only.
Only the protoplasm of xylem vessels without membranes.
Dead cells used for staining controls.
Break up of cell aggregates is possible through
Pectinase
Cellulase
Lygase
Isomerase
Agrobacterium is required for culture of
Protoplast
Hairy root
Anther
Seed
Matrix used in immobilized cell culture is
Agarose
Pectinase
Cellulose
Guargum
Agarose gel electrophoresis is used to separate
Viruses
Bacteria
Fungi
DNA and RNA molecule
Sodium hypochloride is used as sterilant for explants in the concentration
0.1–0.5%
0.5–0.7%
0.7–1.0%
1.1–1.4%
The growth regulators in culture media is sterilized by
dry heat
moist heat
filtration
flame sterilization
Inorganic minor element used in plant tissue culture is
Boron
Calcium
Phosphorus
Magnesium
The standard temperature for autoclave at pressure 15Psi
121∘C
100∘C
80∘C
60∘C
Rapid clonal multiplication is possible through meristem culture
True
False
Regeneration capacity of plant cells are known as Plasticity
True
False
Axenic culture indicates the culture free from external contamination and internal symbionts
True
False
The adaptation of living organism to a changed environment is called acclimatization
True
False
Potassium salt in an in-vitro culture medium maintains osmotic pressure
True
False
Boron in a tissue culture medium helps in DNA synthesis (for cell wall synthesis)
True
False
Magnesium is involved in the Hill reaction of Photosystem II (Manganese)
True
False
Typhoid vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine
True
False
Cytokinins promote RNA synthesis
True
False
Pollen preservation is a boon to endangered plant species
True
False
General nutrient composition of plant tissue culture media is best described by which set of components?
Macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, carbohydrate source, growth regulators, and a gelling agent
Only distilled water and sucrose
Amino acids and antibiotics only
Soil extract and humus
Which sequence correctly describes the typical growth pattern of a plant cell suspension culture?
Lag phase followed by exponential phase, then stationary phase and decline
Immediate exponential growth without lag
Monotonic linear increase throughout
Alternating cycles of meiosis and mitosis
Which statement best characterizes protoplast culture in plants?
Culture of plant cells without a cell wall in an osmotically stabilized medium, enabling cell wall regeneration and somatic hybridization
Growth of intact tissues on soil in a greenhouse
Culture of bacterial protoplasts for antibiotic production
Exclusive use of mechanical agitation to fragment tissues on solid medium
What defines a plant cell suspension culture?
Dispersed single cells or small aggregates maintained in liquid medium with agitation
A mass of undifferentiated tissue on solid medium
Whole organ maintained on agar plates
Seed germination in soil extract
Which effects of plant growth regulators in vitro are correctly matched? Select all that apply.
Auxins promote cell division and callus formation
Cytokinins stimulate shoot induction and bud formation
Gibberellins primarily promote stem elongation
Ethylene increases chloroplast differentiation under culture
Select the correctly defined term.
Totipotency: the capacity of a single cell to regenerate an entire plant
Organogenesis: formation of shoots or roots from cultured tissues
Synthetic seed: encapsulated somatic embryo or shoot tip used for sowing
Re-differentiation: conversion of mature cells back to meristematic state
Hairy root culture is induced by
Agrobacterium rhizogenes
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Rhizobium leguminosarum
Bacillus subtilis
Which statement best describes edible vaccines?
Antigenic proteins expressed in transgenic food plants to elicit immunity upon oral consumption
Inactivated pathogens injected intramuscularly to generate systemic immunity
Live attenuated viruses administered via nasal spray
Antibiotics added to foods to prevent infection
Which are valid applications of plant tissue culture? Select all that apply.
Micropropagation of elite genotypes
Germplasm conservation via cryopreservation
Production of secondary metabolites from cultured cells
Measurement of soil pH in the field
