Question

Plants synthesize toxic compounds to repel insects or other herbivores. Isolating these compounds is discussed in terms of value to developing new _____.

1) fuel sources
2) agricultural prospects
3) building materials
4) pharmaceuticals

Answer 1

Plants produce toxic compounds to protect themselves, which humans have historically exploited for medicinal purposes. Isolating these plant compounds is particularly valuable in developing new pharmaceuticals, with many existing medications originating from plant extracts.

Step-by-step explanation:

Plants synthesize toxic compounds in order to repel insects or other herbivores. These compounds, which include a broad range of poisonous secondary metabolites like alkaloids, have historically been used by humans for various purposes such as drugs, medications, or spices. Isolating these compounds from plants is valuable to developing new pharmaceuticals. Many significant medications, including aspirin, codeine, digoxin, atropine, and vincristine, are derived from plants. Through the process of natural selection, plants have evolved to produce these compounds, which can be repurposed for human benefit, indicating a continual interest in pharmaceutical research in natural compounds.