Biomolecules Question 28
28. Concanavalin $A$ is:
[2019]
(a) an alkaloid
(b) an essential oil
(c) a lectin
(d) a pigment
Show Answer
Answer : c
Hints & Solutions
(c) Concanavalin A is a secondary metabolite, e.g. lectin. Lectin is a mannose/ glucose-binding protein isolated from Jack beans (Canavalia ensiformis). They are not antibodies and do not originate in an immune system but bind specifically to carbohydratecontaining receptors on cell surfaces (as of red blood cells).