Read the following paragraph and answer the given questions:
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
The drugs, commonly abused are opioids, cannabinoids, and coca alkaloids. Opioids are the drugs, which bind to specific opioid receptors present in our central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. Heroin, commonly called smack is chemically diacetylmorphine which is a white, odourless, bitter crystalline compound. Cannabinoids are a group of chemicals, which interact with cannabinoid receptors present principally in the brain. Natural cannabinoids are obtained from the inflorescences of the plant Cannabis sativa. The flower tops, leaves and the resin of cannabis plant are used in various combinations to produce marijuana, hashish, charas and ganja. Generally taken by inhalation and oral ingestion, these are known for their effects on cardiovascular system of the body. It interferes with the transport of the neuro-transmitter dopamine. Cocaine, commonly called coke or crack is usually snorted. It has a potent stimulating action on central nervous system, producing a sense of euphoria and increased energy. Excessive dosage of cocaine causes hallucinations. Other well-known plants with hallucinogenic properties are Atropa belladona and Datura. These days cannabinoids are also being abused by some sportspersons. Drugs like barbiturates, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, and other similar drugs, that are normally used as medicines to help patients cope with mental illnesses like depression and insomnia, are often abused. Morphine is a very effective sedative and painkiller, and is very useful in patients who have undergone surgery. Several plants, fruits and seeds having hallucinogenic properties have been used for hundreds of years in folk-medicine, religious ceremonies and rituals all over the globe.
'Coca alkaloids' are obtained from the plant-
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Erythroxylum coca
Option (1) Atropa belladona — Incorrect. It is a plant with hallucinogenic properties, named with Datura.
Option (2) Papaver somniferum — Incorrect. The poppy plant gives opioids (morphine, from which heroin is made).
Option (3) Cannabis sativa — Incorrect. Its inflorescences give the cannabinoids: marijuana, hashish, charas and ganja.
Option (4) Erythroxylum coca — Correct. Cocaine, the coca alkaloid, comes from this plant, native to South America.
Note: The passage is taken from NCERT. NTA has put lines of the NCERT text together to make it. Most CUET (UG) questions come straight from NCERT, so study the book line by line, including figures and their titles.
NCERT Extract:
Drugs and Alcohol Abuse –
